Careers

R&D Lab Technician

Polymer Resources, a leader in custom compounding engineering resins for 50 years, is looking for a new member to join the Research and Development team in Rochester, NY. This role will be responsible for supporting the development of new products and enhancing the portfolio we currently produce by conducting twin screw extrusion trials, running DOE’s, work to develop Standard Operating Proceedures for processing new materials, injection molding testing samples, and material testing (tensile testing, notched Izod, MFR, etc.). This exciting hands-on technical role will be primarily focused on aiding in the development and testing of NEW products to introduce into the market space.

Responsibilities:

• This is a hands-on and working technical position
• Knowledge of product formulation and ability to aid in making adjustments on the fly to meet certain material specifications
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for the extrusion process of a new product being developed
• Create and submit samples for regulatory testing (UL/CSA)
• Run lab size twin screw extruder (27mm)
• Mold testing samples on an injection molding machine
• Analytical and lab testing (i.e. Tensile, Flexural, Izod, Gardner, Melt Flow Index, Moisture Analyzer, Color Spectrometer, etc.)
• Run Design of Experiments to trial multiple variables and determine what is significant
• Compile test results from trials and present them
• Troubleshoot process to achieve the overall goal of the project
• Must be willing to travel to Farmington, CT (headquarters) multiple times a year and be able to aid in transitioning materials from R&D to production environment (upwards of 20%)

Qualifications:

• Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills – must be able to speak to peers and leadership about projects, difficulties, and successes.
• Self-Motivated and Problem Solver –able to start working through problem solving which is required in developing new materials. Able to understand what the goal of the project is and work towards making tweaks to achieve the end goal.
• BS/BA preferred in engineering or technical
• Preferred – 5 years applicable experience (i.e. extrusion, injection molding, and/or material testing)
• Preferred – understanding and experience with polymer formulation development
• Analytical skills and attention to details
• Proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience ($70,000-$90,000 annually) and an excellent benefit package that includes: Medical/Vision & Dental, 401(k) Plan/Roth Plan, Flex 125 Plan (HCR, DCR, HSA), Life Insurance, Identity Theft as well as additional available coverages

Operations in Farmington, Conn., Polymer Resources is a leading, privately owned U.S. supplier of high-quality customized specialty engineering resin compounds, color-matching services, and related materials technology solutions for the electrical, medical, consumer goods, business equipment, and automotive industries. Operating with an extensive list of UL approved products, it is one of very few polymer suppliers that backs its compounding and color match services with a quality guarantee. The company’s commitment to customer service, financial discipline, and foresight for over 50 years has made it a reliably steady resource for specialty compounds in the often-volatile plastics industry. With operations in Farmington, CT and Rochester, NY, Polymer Resources continues to fuel its growth through ongoing investments in its manufacturing assets and its top industry talent. The company’s direct sales force and local warehousing throughout the United States enable on-time delivery and fast, local customer service anywhere in the country. For more information, visit www.prlresins.com.