Lab Technician

Manufacturing Inc; Killingly (CT); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Incentive recognition bonus program

Job summary

Manufacturing Inc. is seeking a Lab Technician to design and run material test programs for elastomers, validate parts, and help qualify next‑generation rubber products used in aerospace and life‑critical applications.

You will work with advanced equipment and collaborate with engineering teams to ensure accurate, high‑quality results. The role requires hands‑on testing experience, a technical degree or equivalent shop-floor expertise, and a proactive, detail‑oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline — or 2+ years of direct shop-floor/testing experience in rubber or polymer manufacturing.
• Demonstrated mechanical intuition and passion for testing materials to their limits.

Responsibilities

• Pioneer Material Testing: Design and execute robust experimental test matrices on raw elastomers and finished molded parts using mechanical and thermal characterization tools.
• Operate and master specialized lab equipment to support product development and qualification.
• Dig into material failure modes and process anomalies to provide data-driven answers to engineering and production teams.
• Keep the lab running efficiently by managing calibration logs, consumables, maintenance, and safety standards.
• Present findings, publish test reports, and contribute to cross-functional lean projects for new product introductions.
• Interpret and adhere to aerospace, MIL, and ASTM testing protocols.

Skills

Hands-On Mindset

Technical Background

Testing Curiosity

Analytical Sharpness

Communication & Drive

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related field

Tools

Instron universal test frames

DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer)

RPA (Rubber Process Analyzer)

2-roll mills

cure presses

electrodynamic shakers

Job description

Step to the leading edge of material science and mission-critical engineering! We are on the hunt for an energetic, curious, and hands-on Lab Technician ready to push the boundaries of advanced elastomer technologies. In this high-impact role, you will be the bridge between bold engineering concepts and high-performance physical reality—testing, troubleshooting, and qualifying next-generation molded rubber products bound for deep space, defense systems, and life‑saving medical devices. If you thrive in a dynamic, laboratory‑meets‑manufacturing setting where no two days are the exact same and real‑world performance is on the line, this is your launchpad.

Benefits and Compensation

Competitive Pay: $24-$28/hr DOE to start! If you are transitioning from another HR Coordinator role, we offer great starting rates for our 1st shift hours.Comprehensive Benefits: Includes premium health insurance (medical, dental, vision) and eligibility for an incentive recognition bonus program.

Responsibilities Include

• Pioneer Material Testing: Design and execute robust experimental test matrices on raw elastomers and finished molded parts using industry-leading mechanical and thermal characterization tools.
• Master High‑End Lab Technology: Operate and master specialized equipment including Instron universal test frames, dynamic mechanical analyzers (DMA), rubber process analyzers (RPA), 2-roll mills, cure presses, and electrodynamic shakers.
• Solve High‑Stakes Puzzles: Dig deep into material failure modes, process anomalies, and qualification challenges to provide decisive, data‑driven answers to engineering and production teams.
• Drive Lean & Quality Operations: Keep our laboratory running at peak efficiency by managing calibration logs, tracking consumables, scheduling routine maintenance, and upholding pristine safety and 5S standards.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Present crisp findings, publish thorough analytical test reports, and actively contribute to cross‑functional lean project teams driving new product introductions.
• Standardize for Excellence: Interpret, adapt, and adhere rigorously to rigorous aerospace, military (MIL), and ASTM testing protocols.

Skills & Qualifications

• Hands‑On Mindset: Demonstrated mechanical intuition and a genuine passion for taking things apart, testing materials to their limits, and understanding how polymers behave under stress.
• Technical Background: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline—or 2+ years of solid, direct shop‑floor/testing experience in rubber or polymer manufacturing.
• Testing Curiosity: Prior exposure or strong willingness to learn ASTM/MIL standards and equipment (durometers, densimeters, environmental ovens, low‑temperature brittleness testers, tensile test stands).
• Analytical Sharpness: Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and the digital agility to quickly pick up new data‑acquisition software and test controls.
• Communication & Drive: Outstanding written and verbal presentation skills, strong self‑direction, and the ability to steer multiple investigations simultaneously without breaking a sweat.

What's in It for You

• Real‑World Impact: Your test results will directly validate components used in defense aircraft, aerospace missions, and critical medical devices.
• Modern Equipment & Comprehensive Training: Expand your technical repertoire with specialized, cutting‑edge analytical tools under the mentorship of veteran materials engineers.
• Direct Growth Trajectory: Be part of an agile, lean manufacturing culture where top performers are recognized, cross‑trained, and promoted.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.