Address
Form of workJOB SUMMARY:
The R&D Lab Technician will perform a variety of tasks that support mixing processes and mechanical testing, including testing that supports R&D, Consulting Services, Order Support, New Product Development, and Engineering Support. The Technician must be able to take written instructions and create test set-ups using existing facilities and equipment. In some cases, the Technician will be asked to formulate a plan to create a new test set up, which includes developing a list of materials required to fabricate the test set up. The ability to perform machining of metal parts, welding of metal parts and mechanical assembly is strongly desired. Interpersonal skills both within the R&D group and with other groups such as Engineering and Manufacturing is an expectation. This is a full-time on-site position with limited to zero travel.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of a two-year technical degree or trades certification is desired or similar working experience. Minimum of 2 years working in a production facility environment or machine shop experience is desired.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and email correspondence using Microsoft Office products. Ability to interact with business clients that attend testing in a professional manner.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, areas, circumference and volume. Competent in the use of conversion of units of measurement. Able to apply concepts of geometry. Calculations for mixing parameters will be taught with application to work expected.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and verbally communicate. The employee frequently is required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and use hands for fine motor skills. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee is also required to use step ladders and vertical ladders on occasion. Working in the R&D 50-foot tank will require descending and climbing a 30' ladder with a harness tethered to fall protections. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work environment is that of a machine shop and testing laboratory. Occasional exposure to noise levels requiring the use of hearing protection devices is expected. The use of safety shoes and safety glasses is mandatory for most tasks. Occasional additional protective clothing must be worn to avoid chemical exposure (face mask, gloves, laboratory suit) required during mixing of customer materials. Safe handling practices must be followed for rigging, lifting and landing of heavy equipment and assembly of mixing equipment components.
The R&D Lab Technician will perform a variety of tasks that support mixing processes and mechanical testing, including testing that supports R&D, Consulting Services, Order Support, New Product Development, and Engineering Support. The Technician must be able to take written instructions and create test set-ups using existing facilities and equipment. In some cases, the Technician will be asked to formulate a plan to create a new test set up, which includes developing a list of materials required to fabricate the test set up. The ability to perform machining of metal parts, welding of metal parts and mechanical assembly is strongly desired. Interpersonal skills both within the R&D group and with other groups such as Engineering and Manufacturing is an expectation. This is a full-time on-site position with limited to zero travel.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned)
- Preparing test set ups (including tank, tank internals, shaft and mixing impellers) from both written and verbal instructions.
- The ability to use machine operations such as horizontal lathe, vertical mill, weld metal parts and assemble mechanical setups is strongly desired.
- Assembling and disassembling rotating equipment such as gearboxes and mechanical seals for inspection before and after testing of equipment.
- Testing of rotating equipment, including measuring temperature, vibration and sound produced by said equipment. Training on wiring electric motors will be provided and is an essential duty.
- Training will be provided in the rigging, lifting and landing of heavy equipment using cranes.
- Running equipment and logging data using existing data acquisition software. Ability to perform mathematical calculations using Microsoft Excel is a requirement.
- Taking samples from mixing vessels and performing testing on samples using a variety of lab equipment (e.g. Viscometer, Moisture Analyzer, Particle Size Distribution Analyzer).
- Organizing the data collected during testing and providing a written summary report using Microsoft Word and/or Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Willingness to learn certain aspects of mixing theory and technology that can be applied to assigned test work.
- Maintain R&D's model shop's inventory of consumables, which includes ordering material through Purchasing.
- General housekeeping of lab facilities, which includes routine cleaning of lab equipment and test areas.
- For tests that use customer materials, work with Commercial to coordinate the shipping of this material back and forth between the client and the lab.
- Adherence to all safety regulations and protocols at SPXFLOW is required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of a two-year technical degree or trades certification is desired or similar working experience. Minimum of 2 years working in a production facility environment or machine shop experience is desired.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and email correspondence using Microsoft Office products. Ability to interact with business clients that attend testing in a professional manner.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, areas, circumference and volume. Competent in the use of conversion of units of measurement. Able to apply concepts of geometry. Calculations for mixing parameters will be taught with application to work expected.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and verbally communicate. The employee frequently is required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and use hands for fine motor skills. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee is also required to use step ladders and vertical ladders on occasion. Working in the R&D 50-foot tank will require descending and climbing a 30' ladder with a harness tethered to fall protections. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work environment is that of a machine shop and testing laboratory. Occasional exposure to noise levels requiring the use of hearing protection devices is expected. The use of safety shoes and safety glasses is mandatory for most tasks. Occasional additional protective clothing must be worn to avoid chemical exposure (face mask, gloves, laboratory suit) required during mixing of customer materials. Safe handling practices must be followed for rigging, lifting and landing of heavy equipment and assembly of mixing equipment components.
