Hands-On R&D Technician: Lab, Prototyping & Testing

Socket.dev; Valley Forge (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division, is seeking a hands-on R&D Technician to support engineering activities and plant initiatives. The role blends lab execution with administrative tasks, ensuring efficient lab operations and accurate tracking of engineering activities.

The position requires mechanical aptitude and experience with assembly, testing, and lab work, with training provided. The role is fully onsite, based in Leola, PA, with occasional work at Wayne, PA.

Qualifications

• Education background in technical field with experience in technical or trade fields (e.g., engineering technology, manufacturing, industrial technology)
• Hands‑on experience with assembly, testing, technical construction, lab work or similar
• Demonstrated mechanical and technical aptitude (e.g., machining, welding, measurement tools, lab testing)
• Exposure to lab operations, material handling, or shop environments preferred
• Strong organization skills with the ability to manage both technical and administrative tasks
• General computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Outlook, Word) preferred
• This is a fully onsite role. Must be able to commute daily to our Leola, PA office. Occasional work will also be required at our Wayne, PA R&D office
• Standard office hours with some flexibility

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary day-to-day lab technician supporting Engineering activities
• Weigh, blend, and prepare materials for development trials and testing
• Assemble and test pipe samples in support of R&D, product certification, and plant initiatives
• Perform hands‑on technical work including machining, welding, and precision measurements (training provided as needed)
• Maintain lab organization, equipment readiness, and material inventory/flow
• Support prototype development and act as a technical resource for machine shop activities
• Process transactions including requisitions, purchase orders, coding, and invoice tracking
• Monitor and track Engineering project spend and related invoices
• Provide limited project coordination support, including scheduling and follow-up
• Maintain essential administrative processes required to support site operations

Skills

Hand–on skills

Machining

Welding

Measurement tools

Lab testing

Microsoft Office

Education

Technical field education

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division, is seeking a hands-on R&D Technician to support engineering activities and plant initiatives. The role blends lab execution with administrative tasks, ensuring efficient lab operations and accurate tracking of engineering activities.

The position requires mechanical aptitude and experience with assembly, testing, and lab work, with training provided. The role is fully onsite, based in Leola, PA, with occasional work at Wayne, PA.