Lab Technician

Job Summary:
Performs laboratory tests and inspections to determine chemical and physical characteristics and composition of materials for such purposes as quality control, process control, and product development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but not limited to:
•    Sets up, adjusts and operates laboratory equipment and instruments such as carbon/sulfur analyzer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), ion chromatography analyzer, analytical balance, condensers, pH/conductivity meter, particle size analyzer, tensile machine, compressive strength machine, leak detection instrumentation, expansion furnace assembly and other equipment.
•    Works safely with gas cylinders, hot furnaces, ovens, strong acids and other chemicals.
•    Tests materials used as ingredients in carbon and graphitized yarns, graphite foils, and other products for such qualities as composition, purity, stability, density, oxidation rate, tensile and break strength, etc.
•    Tests solutions used in processes for chemical concentration, specific gravity, or other characteristics.
•    Tests materials for presence and content of elements or substances such as carbon, sulfur, ash, halogens, or trace impurities.
•    Tests and inspects samples of raw materials and manufactured products to verify conformity to specifications.
•    Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment and glassware.
•    Calibrates laboratory instruments using known material standards.
•    Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
•    Tests chemicals or raw materials to process solutions or product batches to correct or establish formulation required to meet specifications.
•    Inspects critical final products for visual and dimensional requirements.
•    Records test results on standardized forms, inputs test data to the database. 
•    Accepts/rejects tested materials. Generates QC tags and Nonconforming Material Reports.
•    Conducts “6S” housekeeping.
•    Participates in Safety Sweeps.
•    Adheres to all Safety procedures.

Skills:
•    Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, material specifications, Safety Data Sheets and governmental regulations.  Ability to generate reports, such as 6S Audits and Non-Conforming Material report.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and employees.
•    Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations and converts units of measurements.
•    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.
•    Software Programs such as Microsoft Office, customized equipment software and databases.

Education and/or Experience:
•    Associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or one to two years related experience and/or training. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.  
•    ISO 9001, AS 9000, or IATF 16949 experience preferred.

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 use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
•    Rarely is required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  
•    Frequently required to walk, sit, and climb or balance.  
•    The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
•    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color 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. 

•    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.  
•    Frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.  
•    Occasionally exposure to high precarious places and extreme heat.  While on duty, Protective Equipment provided for this position must be used.