Senior Research Technician - Factory Mutual Insurance Company

FM's 1,600-acre Research Campus located in West Glocester, RI is the premier center for property loss prevention scientific research and product testing. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the following full-time opening:

Senior Research Technician/ Senior Research Technician II/Research Assistant

Provides support for the instrumentation department including (but not limited to): providing technical knowledge, especially in electronics/electrical design/Data acquisition, for instrumentation and software used in testing; data acquisition system support; test instrument setup and programming; and test fixture design and fabrication. Provide engineering or scientific knowledge and support in the development of accurate and reliable data produced by tests and experiments.

• Design, fabricate and construct apparatus to support testing and campus operations without supervision. 
• Area of coverage includes, but is not limited to, Fire Testing Labs, Earthquake Labs, Building Control Systems, Process Water, etc. 
• Make timely and accurate measurements during assigned projects. 
• Setup and operate equipment for projects;
• Troubleshoot problems and take appropriate corrective actions; Work effectively as a member of a team to accomplish projects’ goals;
• Perform expected tasks as listed without supervision;
• Prepare and present clear and concise data in a prescribed format;
• Keep supervisors informed of the status and progress of all work in process and of any significant developments affecting assigned projects Identify systems and processes needing improvement and develop plans to improve them by working with supervisors, peers and vendors to secure a design and budget if needed.
• Maintain an increasing level of proficiency in technical skills and testing procedures to contribute to personal development and the achievement of unit goals and objectives.
• A Senior Research Technician II is expected to provide guidance to Research Technicians and Sr. Research Technicians when necessary With limited supervision, develop specific technical procedures and purchase necessary components, equipment and supplies related for assigned projects.

High School/Trade School or Military specialist training with 3 years general mechanical or electrical experience.

Skills/Knowledge:         Laboratory testing, product assembly, equipment repair, mathematical computation, or data tabulation, and the use of laboratory test equipment. Knowledge of calibration and calibration procedures.

Computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Problem Solving and Judgement:

1.        Day to day interaction with various issues and needs. To understand situations with components and subsystems, assess possible solutions and to resolve the issue in a timely and cost-effective manner. Consult with subject matter experts when system complexity or unfamiliarity requires additional level(s) of knowledge.

2.        Understanding and ability to prioritize work according to the strategic value of systems as they relate to the overall campus and testing operations.

3.        Must take a proactive approach to equipment maintenance and operation and possesses the ability to discover potential problems before they arise and recommend the appropriate course of action.

4.        Can prioritize and organize daily and weekly workflow with minimal supervision.

Additional Information

In addition to the essential functions, the candidate will have a variety of other duties to perform as assigned. The working environment consists of both office and laboratory/industrial spaces. Core working hours are 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, some days may require the candidate to work outside of core hours (before 7am or after 3:30pm) to meet business needs. This position requires the candidate to be on-site full time. Laboratory work environment may include wet, smoky, high & low temperature exposure, and working at height in a lift. Position may require moderate to heavy physical effort in the installation, and maintenance of test apparatus and related equipment.

The final salary offer will vary based on geographic location, individual education, skills, and experience. The position is eligible to participate in FM's comprehensive Total Rewards program that includes an incentive plan, generous health and well-being programs, a 401(k) and pension plan, career development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, flexible work, time off allowances and much more. 

FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce.

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