Chemical Technician

AZON USA, Inc.; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

AZON USA, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Chemical Technician to support a two-function lab role focused on physical testing of solid polyurethanes and quality control of raw materials and formulations.

The position requires hands-on lab skills, safety awareness, and ability to switch between analytical formulation checks and mechanical material testing throughout the day. The ideal candidate has experience with titration, viscosity profiling, and documentation of CoA data, and can maintain

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Chemistry or related field.
• 1–3 years of hands-on laboratory experience, preferably in polymers.
• Knowledge of titration, viscosity testing, and raw material validation.
• Able to lift up to 35–50 lbs and handle chemicals safely.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical testing on polyurethane samples, including tensile, elongation, tear, hardness, and compression set.
• Perform QC on incoming materials, in-process formulations, and final products.
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment; document test data and deviations.
• Log raw material lots and CoA documentation.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Viscosity testing

Titration techniques

Safety protocols

Data logging

Education

Associate degree in Chemistry

Tools

Universal testing machines

Durometers

Die cutting equipment

Molding equipment

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.