Lab Operator

The Lubrizol Corporation; Brecksville (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonus plans

401(k) match + DC plan

Medical, dental & vision coverage

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid holidays and vacation

Flexible work environment

Learning and development opportunities

Career and professional growth

Inclusive culture

Job summary

The Lubrizol Corporation in Brecksville, OH seeks a Lab Operator to bridge manufacturing and innovation on pilot-scale extrusion, injection molding, and compounding within a dynamic R&D environment.

You’ll work with scientists and engineers to run trials, analyze data, and optimize processing conditions, ensuring accurate records and safe, efficient operations on a fast-paced production floor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year of experience in a manufacturing, pilot plant, or similar environment.
• Experience operating plastics processing equipment (extrusion, injection molding).
• Strong observational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to analyze results and identify process issues.
• Basic math skills and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer apps.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, prepare, and maintain extrusion, injection molding, and other processing equipment for testing.
• Operate and adjust processing equipment to execute R&D trials.
• Deliver accurate lab results and maintain safe working conditions.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance and workflow.
• Review and validate test data for accuracy and trace issues.
• Document test conditions and results in Excel and internal systems.
• Communicate test results and trial updates to scientists and engineers.
• Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs per SOPs.

Skills

High attention to detail

Experience in manufacturing

Data analysis

Basic math skills

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Observational skills

Recordkeeping

Equipment troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s or bachelor's in polymer science or related field

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Shape the Future with Us.

At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

Shape the Future with Us.

At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact - on your career, your community, and the world around you.

Job Type: Full-Time / On-Site

Shift + Hours: Monday - Thursday 6:30am - 4:30pm

Location: Brecksville, OH

As Lubrizol approaches its centennial in 2028, our Wickliffe campus will become the unified home of Lubrizol’s global headquarters, integrating Lubrizol’s Brecksville site capabilities and employees to the Wickliffe campus.

How You’ll Make An Impact

As a Lab Operator, you’ll bridge the gap between manufacturing and innovation by operating and troubleshooting pilot-scale extrusion, injection molding, and compounding equipment in a dynamic R&D environment. You’ll partner closely with scientists and engineers to run trials, evaluate materials, and optimize processing conditions, generating reliable data that drives product and process development. Your ability to keep equipment running efficiently, identify issues, and maintain organized, accurate records will directly support faster decision-making and successful commercialization of new technologies. If you enjoy working with equipment, solving problems, and seeing the real-world impact of your work, this role puts you at the center of it.

In This Role, You Will

• Assemble, prepare, and maintain extrusion, injection molding, and other processing equipment to ensure readiness for testing.
• Operate and adjust Henschel mixers, 2-roll mills, extrusion lines, injection molding, and compression molding equipment to execute R&D trials.
• Deliver accurate and timely laboratory results while demonstrating Lubrizol Cultural Beliefs and ensuring safe working conditions.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, test methods, and workflow efficiency within the lab environment.
• Review and validate test data for accuracy, identify inconsistencies, and communicate issues or non-conformances.
• Accurately document test conditions, observations, and results in Excel and internal systems.
• Communicate test results, equipment performance, and trial updates to scientists and engineers.
• Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on processing equipment following SOPs.

Required Qualifications That Enable Your Success

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year of experience working in a manufacturing, pilot plant, or similar industrial environment.
• Experience operating or supporting plastics process equipment (extrusion, injection molding, or similar).
• Strong observational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to analyze results, identify process issues, and support root cause problem-solving.
• Basic math skills and ability to interpret data and trends from test results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications That Drive You Forward

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in polymer science, materials, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in plastic or rubber manufacturing and/or testing.
• Forklift experience or certification a plus.
• Experience working with industrial safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting emergency response or safety programs a plus.
• Experience with laboratory information systems (LIMS) or data management tools a plus.

Your Work Environment

Role

At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work- whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. In this role, your work environment requires:

• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided, including full-face respirator.
• Use of computers and digital tools
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards
• Ability to repeatedly lift 55 pounds.
• Ability to become certified to drive a forklift.
• Availability for occasional off-hours/weekend work.

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Benefits That Empower You

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career and professional growth
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement Learn more at benefits.lubrizol.com!

Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. Delivered by You.

For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you.

We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you.

Whether you're in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you'll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future.

We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.

#LZBUS