Chemical Technician Specialist – Laboratory & Documentation Support

Openwork; The Woodlands (TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Openwork LLC seeks a Chemical Technician Specialist for a long-term, on-site role in The Woodlands, TX. You will work on formulation, processing, and testing of reactive chemistries and polyurethanes, maintaining precise SAP/ELN records and SOPs.

Strong documentation skills and safety focus are essential. Ideal candidates have 3–5+ years in polymer chemistry, with hands-on experience in polymer testing and thermoplastic processing.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of hands-on laboratory or pilot plant experience in polymer chemistry.
• Experience with reactive thermoset systems or thermoplastics processing.
• Experience with ASTM/ISO standards for testing.

Responsibilities

• Formulation & Processing: Prepare, mix, and cure reactive resin formulations and operate thermoplastic processing equipment.
• Laboratory Testing & Operations: Perform mechanical, physical, and thermal characterization on polymer samples.
• Equipment Operation & Care: Safely operate, calibrate, clean, and maintain processing and analytical test equipment.
• Technical Documentation: Document formulations, processing parameters, batch sheets, and test results in ELN/LIMS/SharePoint.

Skills

Reactive chemistries

Thermoplastics processing

Polymer testing

Tools

ELN

LIMS

SharePoint

Job description

Chemical Technician Specialist – Laboratory & Documentation SupportLocation: The Woodlands, TX (On-site)Position Type: Contingent Contract (6–12 Months, Potential for Extension)Pay Rate: $38.60 – $42.00 / hour (commensurate with experience)About the RoleOpenwork is seeking on behalf of our client an experienced Chemical Technician Specialist for a long-term assignment with a leading global specialty chemicals organization in The Woodlands, TX.This role requires hands-on formulation, compounding, and analytical evaluation of reactive polymer chemistries (epoxies, polyurethanes) and/or thermoplastics processing (melt extrusion). The technician will perform sample preparation, physical/mechanical testing, and equipment operation while maintaining precise technical records, batch logs, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) within electronic laboratory management systems.Key ResponsibilitiesFormulation & Processing: Prepare, mix, and cure reactive resin formulations (epoxies, polyurethanes, curing agents/catalysts) and/or operate thermoplastic processing equipment (twin/single-screw extruders, injection molders, compounders).Laboratory Testing & Operations: Execute mechanical, physical, and thermal characterization on polymer samples following ASTM, ISO, and internal methods (e.g., tensile/flexural strength, viscosity, gel time, DSC, TGA, melt flow index).Equipment Operation & Care: Safely operate, calibrate, clean, and maintain specialized polymer processing and analytical test equipment; troubleshoot process parameters and log operational data.Technical Documentation: Accurately document formulations, processing parameters, batch sheets, and test results in Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs), SharePoint, and technical document repositories.Quality & EHS Compliance: Handle hazardous and reactive chemical systems (e.g., isocyanates, reactive amines, volatile additives) strictly adhering to chemical safety protocols, PPE requirements, and OSHA/EHS standards.Key QualificationsExperience: 3–5+ years of hands-on laboratory or pilot plant experience in polymer chemistry, specialty chemicals, advanced composites, or plastics manufacturing.Core Technical Competencies (Must demonstrate experience in at least ONE track):Track A – Reactive Chemistries: Direct experience formulating, handling, mixing, or testing reactive thermoset systems, specifically epoxies, polyurethanes, polyols, or isocyanates.Track B – Thermoplastics Processing: Direct experience with thermoplastic melt extrusion (single/twin-screw), compounding, pelletizing, or melt flow testing.Testing Standards: Hands-on familiarity with polymer testing standards (ASTM/ISO for mechanical properties, rheology, thermal transitions, or cure kinetics).Chemical Safety: Strong working knowledge of hazardous chemical handling, SDS interpretation, and safe storage of reactive chemical components.Documentation & Systems: High proficiency in recording experimental data, batch records, and maintaining records in electronic lab management tools (ELN, LIMS, SharePoint).If you're an experienced professional looking to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.Apply today to be considered for this opportunity or visit www.openwork.com to view additional openings.Recruiter: Jessika BriggsEmail: [e-mail]#OPWPHOU