Innovation Center R&D Lab Technician

East Penn Manufacturing Company, Inc.; Kutztown (Berks County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health insurance

401K with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

East Penn Manufacturing Company, Inc. is seeking an R&D Laboratory Technician to support battery research and development. You will prepare, test, and evaluate cells and batteries, collect data, and document results to support technology development and product improvement.

You will work closely with engineers and scientists to ensure safe, accurate execution of experiments, maintain equipment, and communicate findings effectively in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory with scientific test equipment and data acquisition.
• Experience with electrochemical testing and battery test systems preferred.
• Ability to handle, assemble, test, and disassemble cells and batteries safely.
• Proficient in data collection, analysis, and reporting with Excel and software tools.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for fixtures and equipment, with meticulous record-keeping.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and PPE usage.
• Organized, capable of managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced R&D setting.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, assemble, and configure cells, batteries, and lab equipment for R&D.
• Conduct electrochemical, electrical, mechanical, and environmental tests per plans.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and document test data for evaluations.
• Disassemble cells, perform teardown, and analyze failures for reliability.
• Create technical summaries and lab reports documenting results.
• Assist engineers and scientists in design, troubleshooting, and experiments.
• Maintain lab equipment, test systems, inventory, and records safely.
• Fabricate and modify prototype cells and test articles for development.
• Flag unusual results or safety concerns impacting objectives.
• Follow lab, safety, and quality procedures to ensure data integrity.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Data analysis

Electrochemical testing

Battery test systems

Instrumentation

Documentation

Safety procedures

Excel

Fabrication / fixture modification

Education

BSc preferred

Tools

Test equipment

Environmental chambers

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Get to know East Penn!

East Penn is a stable, essential employer, that is poised for the energy needs of the future with 80 years of sustainable lead battery and battery accessory manufacturing expertise!

At East Penn, our employees are our culture; our employees will always be the heart of the company. We are a private, family-owned enterprise committed to cultivating an atmosphere that honors the contributions of everyone. We want our employees to have long-term careers, and many do. Almost 40% of our workforce has over a decade of service. Our open-door management policy, comprehensive benefits package, annual bonus program for all, and career advancement opportunities are just some of the ways we show our employees how incredibly valued they are.

Our hiring process may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help in the initial review of applications by identifying candidates whose qualifications best match job requirements. These tools do not make hiring decisions. All final hiring decisions regarding interviews and employment are made by our employee recruiting and hiring teams.

East Penn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EOE/VEVRAA

Overview

East Penn Manufacturing (Deka Battery) is currently seeking an R&D Laboratory Technician to support battery research and development activities through the preparation, assembly, testing, and evaluation of aqueous and non-aqueous cells and batteries. The R&D Lab Technician collects and analyzes data, operates and maintains test equipment, executes laboratory experiments, and documents results to support technology development, product improvement, and technical decision-making. This role works closely with engineers and scientists to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient execution of research programs and validation activities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, assemble, and configure cells, batteries, fixtures, and laboratory equipment for research, development, and validation activities.
• Conduct electrochemical, electrical, mechanical, and environmental testing on aqueous and non-aqueous cells and batteries in accordance with approved test plans and procedures.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and document test data to support technical evaluations, project decisions, and technology development efforts.
• Perform cell and battery disassembly, teardown, failure analysis, and post-test evaluations to support performance and reliability investigations.
• Generate technical summaries, test reports, and laboratory documentation that accurately communicate results, observations, and conclusions.
• Support engineers, scientists, and project teams in the design, execution, troubleshooting, and optimization of laboratory experiments and development programs.
• Assist with maintaining laboratory equipment, test systems, sample inventory, and records while ensuring a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment.
• Assist with the fabrication, modification, and preparation of prototype cells, batteries, and test articles used in research and development activities.
• Identify and communicate unusual test results, equipment issues, or safety concerns that may impact project objectives, schedules, or data quality.
• Follow established laboratory, safety, quality, and data integrity procedures to ensure accurate, repeatable, and reliable experimental results.

Qualifications

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a laboratory environment with scientific test equipment and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with electrochemical testing methodologies, battery test systems, environmental chambers, and related laboratory instrumentation preferred.
• Ability to safely handle, assemble, test, and disassemble aqueous and non-aqueous cells and batteries.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting using Microsoft Excel and other laboratory software tools.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to fabricate, modify, and troubleshoot test fixtures, laboratory setups, and equipment.
• Ability to accurately document test procedures, observations, and results while maintaining laboratory records and data integrity.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical handling procedures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate technical findings and observations.

Education/Certification

• BSc preferred.

Skills & Competencies

Required:

• Computer literate including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Mathematical and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow technical procedures and work instructions.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, quality, and data integrity.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving ability.
• Experience working in a fast-paced technical environment.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement activities

East Penn Benefits

East Penn offers excellent benefits:

• Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
• Group health insurance that includes high quality medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage with a low employee premium
• 401K Savings Plan with company match and a 3% employer contribution
• 9 paid company holidays, 2 paid personal holidays, and 10 paid vacation days annually
• Employee assistance program
• Fitness Discounts
• Promotional opportunities
• Stable employment with a growing manufacturing organization
• Opportunities for skills development and career advancement
• Comprehensive safety training and ongoing professional development
• Team-oriented work environment with diverse and challenging projects