R and D Lab Technician - Park Aerospace Corp.

Job Summary

Plan, coordinate, and perform experiments including chemical, physical, electrical, and mechanical tests in support of Park's R&D, Field Service, Sales, Production, and Marketing efforts. Analyze, interpret, evaluate, and report test data generated. Assist in method development, problem solving, data evaluation, and technical report writing.

Essential Job Functions

• Plan, coordinate, and perform materials characterization, including chemical, physical, electrical and mechanical testing, in accordance with standard procedures.
• Ability to review and interpret work instructions, customer specifications on mechanical testing, ASTM and SACMA methods.
• Perform Tensile testing, Compression testing, Shear testing, Peel testing, Flexural testing, Sandwich testing on non-metallic materials.
• Dimensional measurement, strain gauge application and moisture conditioning.
• Operate MTS, Instron test frames (universal testing machines), computers and other test equipment.
• Experience with shop tools such as routers, grinders, drills, and milling machines.
• Must be able to do data analysis and basic math functions with Microsoft Excel.
• Accurately use basic scales, micrometers and calipers.
• Keep accurate records of all testing with attention to detail while ensuring productivity and efficiency.
• Perform and document preventive maintenance, minor repairs, calibrations, and verifications of analytical equipment.
• Assist in development and documentation of test methods as required for product/material characterization.
• Assist in material and process troubleshooting and problem solving activities.
• Communicate experimental detail information both verbally and legibly written to R&D analytical lab manager, as well as other members of the R&D group.
• Generate technical reports summarizing work performed and results obtained.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Interface with R&D, quality control, production, technology, shipping, sales and marketing, customers, and equipment vendors as required.
• Utilize personal protective equipment as required, must always operate in a safe manner and notify the R&D analytical lab manager of unsafe situations. Assist in development, review, and documentation of safety procedures. Participate in group and site safety activities.
• Accurately record observations during experiments. Maintain a laboratory notebook as a legal record and document of R&D activities.
• Assist with trials on experimental, pilot scale, or production equipment to evaluate new materials, new product designs, and/or process modifications as directed.
• Perform non-routine specialized testing on materials and products as directed. Assist in development of new test methods as required for product/material characterization.
• Make suggestions for safety, process, material, and testing improvements.

Education/Experience/Skills Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two year Associate Degree in materials science or related science is preferred.
• Minimum one to three years experience in manufacturing lab environment is preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English well.
• Proficient in MS Excel.
• Experience working with MTS Testworks, Instron BlueHill Software preferred.
• Other duties as required.

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
• Frequently required to sit
• Use hand to finger, handle, and/or feel
• Ability to speak and hear is required; use of corrective devices is allowed
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently bend, lift, and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Intermediate algebra