R&D Technician – New Product Scale-Up

THE ROLE

The R&D Technician – New Product Scale-Up plays a key hands-on role in supporting the development and commercialization of new laminate and prepreg materials for advanced electronic applications.

This position bridges laboratory experimentation and pilot/production trials, working closely with scientists, engineers, and process technicians to compound resin systems, run treaters and presses, and collect and interpret test data to enable smooth scale-up of new product technologies.

The role requires strong attention to detail, adherence to safety and quality standards, and an ability to operate and maintain laboratory and production-scale equipment in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Laboratory & Pilot Processing

• Compound experimental resin systems and prepare formulations according to approved work instructions.
• Operate small-scale R&D treaters, resin mixers, and hot presses to produce laminates and prepregs.
• Provide oversight or assistance on larger production treater runs to support pilot-scale or manufacturing validation.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for resin handling, coating, drying, and lamination processes.
• Record processing parameters, resin characteristics, and run data for evaluation and reporting.

Material Handling & Equipment Maintenance

• Maintain and organize R&D materials, chemical inventories, and sample storage.
• Support inventory control, labeling, and disposal of chemicals according to environmental and safety regulations.
• Perform preventive maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs on laboratory and treater equipment.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.
• Assist in continuous improvement activities to enhance lab and pilot plant efficiency.

Testing & Data Collection

• Support mechanical, thermal, and electrical property testing of laminates and prepregs (e.g., resin content, volatiles, flow, dielectric properties).
• Conduct or assist with analytical testing (e.g., DSC, TGA, DMA, or rheometry) under supervision.
• Compile and summarize data using Excel or other data management software; create charts and simple analyses to aid decision-making.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to ensure accurate data capture and traceability.

Documentation & Quality Compliance

• Complete all R&D runs, test reports, and documentation accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks, digital records, and ISO documentation in accordance with company and regulatory standards.
• Assist with updates to ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and internal work instructions as required.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and housekeeping policies.
• Participate in training and process audits as assigned.

Cross-Functional Support & Scale-Up Activities

• Collaborate with Process Engineering, Operations, and Analytical teams during pilot-scale and production trials.
• Support technology transfer activities from lab-scale to production scale, ensuring consistency in formulations and processing conditions.
• Travel domestically or internationally as needed to assist with customer trials, product qualifications, or equipment installation.
• Train new or junior technicians in safe and effective laboratory and pilot-scale practices.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3 years of manufacturing, R&D, or process technician experience, preferably within laminates, composites, or electronic materials.
• Experience operating treaters, presses, or coating equipment is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with resin formulation, polymer processing, or laminate production a strong plus.
• Strong practical understanding of laboratory and pilot-scale operations.
• Working knowledge of SAP, Microsoft Word, and Excel for documentation and data entry.
• Ability to interpret technical procedures, safety documentation, and test instructions.
• Basic understanding of statistical process control and data interpretation.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and maintain certification for respirator use.

EDUCATION

• Associate or bachelor's degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred or equivalent hands-on industrial or laboratory experience will also be considered.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 awareness preferred.
• Six Sigma or Total Quality Management familiarity is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Primarily laboratory and pilot-scale plant environment.
• Regular exposure to resins, solvents, and treated materials—proper PPE and respirator use required.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• May require extended hours or alternate shifts based on project needs.
• Noise levels may exceed everyday office environments; hearing protection is required where applicable.