Research Development Laboratory Technician

Cornerstone RPO is seeking a full-time Research Development Laboratory Technician in Dalton, GA. The role involves supporting R&D functions through sample preparation, testing of adhesives and coatings, and maintaining laboratory safety. Key responsibilities include conducting physical tests, data recording, and assisting in new product development. Candidates should have strong organizational skills, analytical abilities, and experience with laboratory software. Previous experience in coatings or adhesives is preferred.
Our client is a manufacturer with a wide range of branded, private label, and contract-manufactured adhesives and sealants. Our products are used for product assembly in a wide range of applications and markets, including industrial, engineering, MRO, transportation, automotive, electronics, telecommunications, residential and commercial building construction.

Job Summary: Full-time Lab Technician to operate under the direction of the Lab Director and Product Development Chemists. The successful candidate will provide sample preparation and testing support to the R&D functions. Primary job activities consist of: sample mixing and preparation, physical and performance testing of adhesive and coating samples, testing of raw materials and finished goods, recording and retention of test data in proper locations and other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Duties & Responsibilities:
• Laboratory safety procedures and Job Hazard Awareness documentation.
• Sample preparation and analysis.
• Equipment testing and calibration.
• Laboratory assay analysis.
• Various kinds of lab work.
• Building samples in the lab for testing or for customers.
• Conducting shear and peel analysis.
• Evaluating raw materials.
• Data acquisition, entry and dissemination to team.
• Operate tensile machines.
• Perform trial batches in the plant by supervising the batch build.
• Fix bad batches on low scale in the lab § Microsoft office.
• Planning and coordination.
• Problem resolution.
• Process improvement.
• Project organization & ownership in some cases.
• Ship samples to customers and monitor progress of shipments.
• Help Q.C. on the phone if needed.
• NPD work.
• Prepare written reports to submit.
• Periodically build results into presentable slide format.
• Support new product development through preparation and testing of liquid and cured samples, under instructions of Development Chemists or Technical Director.
• Operates instruments including: Mixers, Viscometers, FT-IR Spectrometer, Shore Hardness Gages, Hegman Gage, Instron Tensile Tester and other equipment as required.
• Maintain proper records of all samples prepared and tested.
• Conducting required tests on scale-up batches of new products manufactured in the plant.
• Assist in investigation and resolution of customer complaints when requested.
• Record formula information and test results in e-notebook and in software.
• Maintain a clean, safe working environment by following routine housekeeping standards to ensure the clean and safe operation of the laboratory.
• Observe safety and security procedures and use equipment and materials properly.
• Maintains the standards and commitment as defined in the company's quality policy.
• Assist on special projects as assigned by Technical Director.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities:
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effectively written and oral communication.
• Experience with computer programs used in laboratory (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability and desire to train in new skills required for the position.
• Interested in continuous improvement.
• Ability to work in organized fashion on multiple activities.

Education & Experience:
• Previous experience in the coatings, adhesives, or Flooring industry highly favored.
• Ability to read and follow procedures, technical work instructions etc. within an ISO 9001 environment.

Physical Requirements:
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer or lab bench sitting/standing.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Location: Dalton, Georgia

Pay: This position has an hourly rate range of $29.00 - $33.00. The hourly range represents the expected range for this position. The actual hourly rate may vary based upon several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant skills/experience, time in the role, business line, and geographic location.

Benefits:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account Plans
• Retirement Plan with company contributions
• Generous Paid Time Off plan increasing based on seniority
• 11 Company Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term Disability
• Generous Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Annual Paid Volunteer Day
• Employee Assistance Program

Cornerstone RPO does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms.