Chemical Technician

AZON USA, Inc.; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

AZON USA, Inc. seeks a detail-oriented Chemical Technician to join our laboratory team in Kalamazoo, MI.

The role splits 50/50 between physical testing of solid polyurethanes and QC of raw materials and final formulations, requiring hands-on lab skills and strong safety awareness. You will alternate between analytical formulation checks and mechanical material testing, documenting data and deviations for engineering teams, while maintaining CoA records and batch tickets.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in chemistry or related field; 1–3 years lab experience preferred.
• Experience with polymer testing, titration, viscosity, and material validation.
• Ability to lift up to 35–50 lbs and follow safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical and physical property testing on solid polyurethane samples.
• Measure tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, hardness, and compression set.
• Operate and maintain universal testing machines and durometers.
• Document data and report deviations to engineering teams.
• Maintain logs for CoA, batch tickets, and raw material controls.
• Adhere to SDS, PPE, and waste storage protocols.

Skills

Titration

Viscosity testing

Raw material validation

Education

Associate degree or higher in Chemistry/related field

Tools

Universal testing machine

Durometer

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and hands-on Chemical Technician to join our laboratory team. This balanced role split-shifts across two critical functions: physical testing of solid polyurethanes and quality control (QC) of raw materials and final formulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong laboratory skill, high safety awareness, and the ability to seamlessly pivot between analytical formulation checking and mechanical material testing.

Key Responsibilities

Physical Testing & Characterization (Approx. 50% of Day)

• Execute mechanical and physical property testing on solid polyurethane samples.
• Measure critical performance metrics, including tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, hardness, and compression set.
• Operate and maintain testing machinery, such as universal testing machines, durometers, and sample preparation equipment (die cutting, molding).
• Document and compile physical test data, reporting deviations from structural specifications to engineering and development teams.

Quality Control & Formulation Verification (Approx. 50% of Day)

• Perform routine analytical quality control on incoming raw materials, in-process formulation batches, and final liquid or solid formulations.
• Conduct essential wet chemistry and analytical testing, such as viscosity profiling, NCO (isocyanate) titrations, and moisture content measurements.
• Evaluate final formulation batches against established quality benchmarks before releasing products for production or shipment.
• Maintain precise logs of raw material lot controls, batch tickets, and certificate of analysis (CoA) documentation.

General Laboratory Standards

• Calibrate and maintain lab equipment on scheduled intervals, ensuring instrument data accuracy.
• Uphold rigorous safety protocols, strictly adhering to safety data sheets (SDS) and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.
• Keep a clean, organized work environment, managing waste disposal and chemical storage zones in compliance with standard protocols.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Associate degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent industrial experience will be considered.
• Experience: 1–3 years of hands-on laboratory experience, preferably within polymers, plastics, polyurethanes, or liquid chemical formulations.
• Technical Skills: Basic knowledge of titration techniques, viscosity testing, and raw material validation.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to [e.g., 35–50 lbs] occasionally and handle industrial chemicals safely.