Junior R&D/TS&D Technician

G-TECH Services LLC; Freeport (TX); Remote; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

401K

Flexible work options

Training opportunities

Competitive pay

Job summary

G-Tech is a woman-owned company that values your ideas and growth while offering health/dental benefits, training opportunities, 401K, and competitive pay. The Junior R&D/TS&D Technician will support polymer research in the Catalyst Advanced Research Lab, performing analytical testing, sample prep, equipment operation, and data collection. The role supports Univation-PE Catalysis Research Business with accurate data.

Location: Freeport, TX. Work options include flexible/remote arrangements.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 2+ years in a lab setting with technical focus.
• Ability to perform analytical testing and data recording with accuracy.
• Comfort with handling chemicals and lab safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate gloveboxes for air- and moisture-sensitive samples.
• Perform polymer washing, preparation, drying, and mixing.
• Prepare salts for gas-phase reactor operations.
• Conduct polymer testing including density, MFI, and particle analysis.
• Use laboratory equipment to create polymer plaques for density.
• Operate and maintain lab instruments (MFI, Gradex, Malvern).
• Prepare samples for DSC and GPC analyses.
• Document and verify testing data daily.
• Follow safety checks and lab walkthroughs; dispose waste per rules.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers on data quality.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Data accuracy

Basic computer skills

Math and dilutions

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Associate degree in a technical discipline

2+ years lab/technical experience

Tools

Melt Flow Indexers

Gradex

Malvern instruments

Job description

OpTech/G-Tech is a woman-owned company that values your ideas, encourages your growth, and always has your back. When you work at OpTech, not only do you get health and dental benefits, but you also have training opportunities, flexible/remote work options, growth opportunities, 401K and competitive pay.

Location: Freeport, TX

Position Summary

The Junior R&D / TS&D Technician will support polymer research activities within the Catalyst Advanced Research Lab by performing analytical testing, sample preparation, equipment operation, and data collection. This role supports the Univation-PE Catalysis Research Business by ensuring accurate, reliable, and timely research data.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate nitrogen gloveboxes to safely store and handle air- and moisture-sensitive catalyst samples and chemicals.
• Perform polymer washing, sample preparation, drying, additive weighing, and mixing.
• Prepare salts for gas-phase reactor operations.
• Conduct polymer testing, including bulk density, melt flow index, and particle size analysis using laboratory equipment.
• Create polymer plaques using hydraulic compression molding equipment for density measurements.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment, including Melt Flow Indexers, Gradex, and Malvern instruments.
• Prepare and retrieve polymer samples for analytical testing, including DSC and GPC methods.
• Perform repeat testing and additional analyses to support research chemists and engineers.
• Complete daily process safety checklists and laboratory walkthroughs.
• Collect, document, and maintain accurate testing data.
• Package and dispose of laboratory waste in accordance with RCRA regulations.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Strong mathematical skills, including solution dilutions, concentration calculations, unit conversions, and molar ratios.
• Knowledge of safe handling practices for flammable and pyrophoric materials.
• Ability to safely handle air- and moisture-sensitive chemicals and maintain reagent integrity.
• Ability to research and interpret chemical and material properties, including boiling points, flash points, vapor pressure, molecular weight, and density.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and maintain reliability.

Education and Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:

• Associate degree in a technical discipline with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7; OR
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in a laboratory, reactor operations, chemical technology, computer science, or a related technical field.

Work Schedule and Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as specified for the work location.

Additional Information

Work will be guided by the Lead Coordinator, with the expectation that the technician proactively communicates with the Lead Coordinator or Research Chemists when clarification or additional direction is needed. The technician is accountable for the quality and accuracy of all generated data.

G-Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), 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.