Research​/Development Technician, Process Engineer

West Chicago, IL, US, 60185

Research and Development

Experienced Professional

On Site

70680

The R&D Process Technician provides hands‑on technical support for research, development, pilot‑scale evaluation, and process innovation activities within the Material and Process Innovation (MPI) organization. This role is responsible for safely operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing a wide range of pilot, laboratory, and manufacturing‑scale equipment used to develop new products, materials, and processes. Success in this role requires strong mechanical aptitude, technical curiosity, critical thinking, and structured problem‑solving skills.

The technician plays a vital role in transforming concepts into scalable manufacturing solutions by generating high‑quality data, supporting process trials, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring reliable operation of development equipment and systems.

The R&D Process Technician supports scientists and engineers in the execution of material and process development programs, pilot trials, manufacturing evaluations, and technology scale‑up initiatives. This position serves as a key contributor in developing and validating new materials, manufacturing processes, and equipment concepts that support Owens Corning's growth and innovation objectives.

Working in a dynamic environment, the technician operates a variety of process equipment and supporting systems including mixers, pumps, presses, cutting systems, material handling equipment, curing systems, fluid delivery equipment, test apparatus, and automated process equipment. The role requires a deep understanding of how equipment, materials, and process variables interact to influence product performance and manufacturability.

The R&D Process Technician works closely with engineers, scientists, operations, quality, tooling, maintenance, and automation teams to execute trials, collect data, troubleshoot issues, and improve process reliability. The individual must be comfortable working independently while applying sound judgment and critical thinking to solve technical challenges and support safe and efficient operations.

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• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot laboratory, pilot, and development-scale equipment used for material and process innovation activities.
• Support the planning and execution of process development trials, pilot evaluations, equipment testing, and manufacturing validation activities.
• Prepare materials, formulations, assemblies, and test samples according to established procedures and project requirements.
• Perform equipment setup, changeovers, calibration, adjustments, and preventative maintenance activities to ensure reliable operation.
• Observe process behavior, identify abnormalities, and communicate process, equipment, or safety concerns promptly.
• Collect, document, and organize process, operational, and product performance data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Utilize critical thinking and structured troubleshooting methods to identify root causes of process issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist engineers and scientists in evaluating process capability, operating windows, cycle times, throughput, yield, and equipment performance.
• Participate in the scale-up of technologies from laboratory concepts through pilot trials and manufacturing implementation.
• Maintain trial records, equipment logs, work instructions, and other technical documentation.
• Support development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures, equipment procedures, and safety practices.
• Collaborate across functions including R&D,…