Industrial R&D Technician: Lab Prototyping & Testing

Westlake Chemical; Wayne (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings is seeking an R&D Technician to provide hands-on laboratory and engineering support for product development, testing, and plant initiatives.

The role blends technical lab execution with administrative coordination, ensuring efficient lab operations and accurate tracking of engineering activities. A technical background with hands-on shop experience is preferred, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Education background in a technical field with practical lab or manufacturing exposure.
• Hands-on experience with assembly, testing, or lab work.
• Mechanical and technical aptitude including machining and measurement tools.
• Exposure to lab operations, material handling, or shop environments preferred.
• Strong organizational skills to manage technical and administrative tasks.
• Computer skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary day-to-day lab technician supporting Engineering activities.
• Weigh, blend, and prepare materials for development trials and testing.
• Assemble and test pipe samples for R&D, product certification, and plant initiatives.
• Perform machining, welding, and precision measurements; training provided as needed.
• Maintain lab organization, equipment readiness, and material inventory/flow.
• Provide limited project coordination including scheduling and follow-up (about 1 day/week).

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Lab experience

Machining

Welding

Measurement tools

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Technical field degree/certificate

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Word

Job description

Westlake Pipe & Fittings is seeking an R&D Technician to provide hands-on laboratory and engineering support for product development, testing, and plant initiatives.

The role blends technical lab execution with administrative coordination, ensuring efficient lab operations and accurate tracking of engineering activities. A technical background with hands-on shop experience is preferred, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office.