Industrial R&D Technician — Hands-On Lab & Machining

Westlake Chemical; Leola (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings in Leola, PA is seeking an R&D Technician to provide hands-on lab and engineering support for product development, testing, and plant initiatives. The role blends lab execution with administrative coordination, ensuring efficient lab operations and accurate engineering activity tracking.

The ideal candidate has a technical background, hands-on assembly/testing experience, and strong organization skills.

Qualifications

• Education background in technical field with experience in technical or trade fields.
• Hands-on experience with assembly, testing, technical construction, lab work or similar.
• Demonstrated mechanical and technical aptitude (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 Leola, PA and Wayne, PA.

Responsibilities

• R&D / Laboratory Support: 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.
• Maintain lab organization, equipment readiness, and material inventory/flow.
• Support prototype development and act as a technical resource for machine shop activities.
• Administrative & Project Support: process 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

Hands-on lab experience

Microsoft Office

Strong organizational skills

Mechanical/technical aptitude

Machining

Welding

Measurement tools

Education

Technical field degree

Tools

Machining

Welding

Measurement tools

Lab equipment

Job description

Westlake Pipe & Fittings in Leola, PA is seeking an R&D Technician to provide hands-on lab and engineering support for product development, testing, and plant initiatives. The role blends lab execution with administrative coordination, ensuring efficient lab operations and accurate engineering activity tracking.

The ideal candidate has a technical background, hands-on assembly/testing experience, and strong organization skills.