Lab Technician

KraussMaffei; Florence (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Florence, Kentucky, is seeking a Lab Technician to support extrusion processes. The role involves leading equipment set-up for trials, conducting maintenance, and managing records. Candidates should have an Associate’s degree and 3+ years in extrusion or plastics. This position offers a full-time schedule with standard hours and minimal travel. A focus on safety and teamwork is essential.

Qualifications

• 3 years’ work experience in extrusion and/or the plastics industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years experience in plastics extrusion (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead set-up, operation, and clean-up of equipment for extrusion trials.
• Conduct maintenance on equipment in the Extrusion Lab.
• Assist with creating and maintaining records related to extrusion trials.

Skills

Communication

Technical Knowledge

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Flexibility/Adaptability

Education

Associate’s degree in a related discipline

Associate’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Material Engineering Technology

Job description

Lab Technician

FLSA: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Manufacturing & Tech. Center Manager

Summary

Extrusion Lab Technicians support the operations of the Extrusion Process Technology team, with an emphasis on ensuring the success of customer extrusion trials. The key focus areas will be maintaining, preparing, operating, and cleaning equipment; inventory management; assisting with records management; and training junior employees.

Essential Functions

• Lead set-up, operation, and clean-up of equipment for extrusion trials in support of customers and internal development work.
• Perform or coordinate maintenance on equipment in the Extrusion Lab to ensure equipment is kept in good working order. Assist engineers with equipment modifications as necessary and maintain regular inventories of Extrusion Lab assets.
• Become knowledgeable in the operation of all extrusion and auxiliary equipment used in the Extrusion Lab.
• Operate and maintain analytical equipment used in the Extrusion Lab.
• Assist with creating and maintaining records related to extrusion trials (screw designs, equipment set-up sheets, run sheets, equipment run data, analytical test data, SDSs).
• Provide leadership in raw material inventory management efforts for the Extrusion Lab. Key contact for shipping, receiving, and disposal of raw materials used in the Extrusion Lab.
• Become familiar with the range of raw materials used in the Extrusion Lab.
• Provide leadership in maintaining a neat and clean work environment in the Extrusion Lab. Key contributor to 5S efforts and ensure that an adequate inventory of critical supplies is maintained.
• Key source of training for personnel in Krauss Maffei’s apprentice and co‑op programs in proper work procedures.

Core Competencies

• Communication
• KM Operations & Product Knowledge
• Results Oriented
• Technical Knowledge
• Initiative/Urgency
• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Innovative Thinking
• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork
• Flexibility/Adaptability
• Customer Service

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates in the Lab of our Florence facility. While performing the duties, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and forklifts. The noise level in the work environment can be loud.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, sit at a computer terminal for an extended period, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop, and kneel.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision due to computer work.
• Regular use of a computer terminal for an extended period.
• Moderate lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness.

Expected Hours of Work

This is an hourly, non-exempt, full-time position with standard working days/hours Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, with overtime as necessary. Actual hours may vary.

Travel

Travel is minimal, but some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected. Travel to Germany or other international locations for training or conferences is possible. Anticipated travel is 10%.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree in a related discipline. 3 years’ work experience in extrusion and/or the plastics industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Material Engineering Technology and 5 years experience in plastics extrusion.

EEO Statement

Krauss‑Maffei Corporation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.