Now Hiring - Park Aerospace Corporation - R&D Lab Tech in Newton, KS

Full description of the position

Job Summary Plan, coordinate, and perform experiments including chemical, physical, electrical, and mechanical tests in support of Park's R&D, Field Service, Sales, Production, and Marketing efforts. Analyze, interpret, evaluate, and report test data generated. Assist in method development, problem solving, data evaluation, and technical report writing. Essential Job Functions * Plan, coordnate, and perform materials characterization, including chemical, physical, electrical and mechanical testing, in accordance with standard procedures. * Utilize analytical instrumentation [Ion migration evaluation system, Differential scanning calorimetry, Thermal mechanical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheometer, etc.] and other equipment as required. * Utilize knowledge of chemistry and materials to analyze, understand, interpret, and evaluate test data generated. * Perform and document preventive maintenance, minor repairs, calibrations, and verifications of analytical equipment. * Assist in development and documentation of test methods as required for product/material characterization. * Assist in material and process troubleshooting and problem-solving activities. * Communicate experimental detail information both verbally and legibly written to R&D analytical lab manager, as well as other members of the R&D group. * Generate technical reports summarizing work performed and results obtained. * Maintain a clean and orderly work area. * Interface with R&D, quality control, production, technology, shipping, sales and marketing, customers, and equipment vendors as required. * Utilize personal protective equipment as required, must always operate in a safe manner and notify the R&D analytical lab manager of unsafe situations. Assist in development, review, and documentation of safety procedures. Participate in group and site safety activities. * Accurately record observations during experiments. Maintain a laboratory notebook as a legal record and document of R&D activities. * Assist with trials on experimental, pilot scale, or production equipment to evaluate new materials, new product designs, and/or process modifications as directed. * Perform non-routine specialized testing on materials and products as directed. Assist in development of new test methods as required for product/material characterization. * Make suggestions for safety, process, material, and testing improvements. Education/Experience/Skills Required * Minimum of one or two years at community college with coursework in Chemistry or Physical Sciences * One to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience * Bachelor 's degree in chemistry, materials science, or related field is a plus. Physical Requirements * While performing the duties of this job, the employee is: * Frequently required to sit * Use hand to finger, handle, and/or feel * Ability to speak and hear is required; use of corrective devices is allowed * Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. * Frequently bend, lift, and/or move up to 40 pounds. * Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus Mathematical Skills * Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts * Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations * Intermediate algebra Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid sick time * Paid time off * Referral program * Tuition reimbursement * Vision insurance Work Location: In person