Laboratory Technician

Hitachi Careers is seeking a full-time Laboratory Technician in Charlotte, NC, to support chemists in developing solvent-based inks for industrial printers. The role involves testing inks, managing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring safety protocols. Ideal candidates should have a detail-oriented approach, mechanical aptitude, and proficiency in MS Office. A bachelor's degree is preferred, or relevant lab experience is required.
Description

Laboratory Technician

Company: Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions America LLC.

Division: Industrial Components & Equipment Division (ICED)

Location: Charlotte, NC

Status: Regular, Full-Time

Job Summary

A successful candidate for this ink laboratory technician position would be a self-starter, is self-motivated, and results driven. Your task will be supporting the laboratory chemists who develop solvent based ink for Hitachi industrial inkjet printers and supporting with daily laboratory requests or needs. Understanding and actively learning how to safely work in these conditions is paramount to the Hitachi group and meeting our requirements for safe chemical operations.

With many new fluids developed here in Charlotte, this position will investigate and help to qualify these inks for use in different or new Hitachi printer models. A candidate with an eye for detail, strong mechanical aptitude, and good laboratory record keeping would be ideal as it will focus on working with various printer models and testing specifications to ensure operational excellence for our industrial customers marking and coding everyday products.

We welcome interested individuals fascinated by chemicals science and technology with the desire to learn, discover, and interest in contributing to the development of quality fluids for Hitachi customers. You will be working in a fast-paced, tight knit, and open environment which develops, tests, and manufactures inks for the marking and coding needs of today’s industrial market.

Responsibilities
• Responsible for methodical sample management, printer-ink testing, confirming testing requirements, and organized recording of data, results, and details in a lab notebook
• Strong foundation of MS Office suite or similar office suites (specifically MS Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Working with printers on a regular basis to maintain and troubleshoot following service manuals and guidance of team members
• Properly record data and carefully use analytical instruments to support development and manufacture of inks testing their properties
• Support evaluations for product functionality or end user concerns such as comparing one ink to another for recommendations or reproducing field concerns to provide solutions
• Maintain lab material stock from warehouse, overall lab cleanliness, and monitoring laboratory supplies with formulating chemists
• Test fluids in Hitachi printers under temperature-controlled conditions which mimic customer factory environments. Testing of products at high temp (up to 50C) and low temp (0C) in short durations maintaining employee safety – insulating gear and training will be provided
• Follow established lab testing protocols and work instructions to properly record testing results in lab notebook
• Working with Hitachi printers and learning as needed to clean, maintain, repair, and testing
• Maintain tidy workspace area, clean lab equipment, removal of waste in compliance with OSHA and local safety regulations
• Assess potential issues, needs, and concerns of laboratory with regular communication with team members

Education and/or Qualification Experience
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Associate’s degree
• Or HS diploma (or GED equivalent) with 4+ years of laboratory experience and/or relatable testing experience

Requirements/skills for Candidate
• Ability to work with chemicals and solvent based inks safely and carefully
• Self-directed with ability and willingness to multitask and prioritize duties as needed
• Strong mechanical aptitude with a hands-on mentality to troubleshoot printer issues
• Awareness of chemical safety and adherence to safety guidelines in the laboratory and attentiveness in the warehouse
• Able to work well in a small team environment with strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Office programs or similar and the willingness to learn as necessary
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds safely
• Strong attention to detail and careful handling with all lab equipment and printers