Lab Technician (MN)

Duraco Specialty Tapes and Liners – A Duraco Specialty Materials® Company; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Duraco Specialty Tapes and Liners – A Duraco Specialty Materials® Company in Minnesota is seeking a Lab Technician to support the Technical Department by preparing samples and performing physical performance testing.

You will design test plans, collect and analyze data, calibrate equipment, and contribute to process improvements while collaborating with Commercial and Operations teams.

Qualifications

• Has bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics or material science.
• Comfortable in a chemical lab and plant environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Strong time management skills to manage multiple ongoing projects.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Flexibility with working hours during major trials.
• Strong analytical and data processing skills.
• Self-starter motivated to identify and implement laboratory and process improvements.
• Team player with the ability to contribute effectively to collaborative projects.
• Strong communication skills.
• Curious and driven to expand product knowledge.
• Good problem-solving abilities.
• Performs well with high degree of autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and eventually lead projects to analyze materials for qualification, develop new products, and provide technical support to Commercial and Operations teams.
• Participate in trials and inspections on the production floor and collect samples as needed.
• Develop test plans and complete necessary testing for assigned projects.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data relating to relevant projects.
• Continually develop skills and knowledge related to release coatings, release liners, tapes, and other materials testing.
• Manage instrument calibrations, and maintain existing and new laboratory equipment in good working condition.
• Provide input and ideas on equipment modifications and improvements to expand laboratory testing capabilities.
• Test against established specifications for products and materials, and make recommendations based on test results.
• Effectively process and present data to audiences of various technical backgrounds.
• Own and complete standard lab functions such as coating draw-downs, test panel preparation, sample preparation, laboratory maintenance, performance testing, data entry, and observe production of and collection of samples from production floor

Skills

Time management

Written communication

Oral communication

Data analysis

Autonomy

Initiative

Team collaboration

Curiosity

Problem solving

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics or materials science

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

This role will be supporting Technical Department by preparing samples and running physical performance testing. As tasks are assigned, this individual will be responsible for setting their own pace to complete assignments on time and maintain the laboratory. The individual must understand basic scientific processes and be able to follow written standardized test methods. Given that this role is part of a dynamic and evolving team, there is room for both personal and career development for an individual who shows commitment to the role and takes the initiative to engage in unassigned projects.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and eventually lead projects to analyze materials for qualification, develop new products, and provide technical support to Commercial and Operations teams
• Participate in trials and inspections on the production floor and collect samples as needed
• Develop test plans and complete necessary testing for assigned projects
• Collect, organize, and analyze data relating to relevant projects
• Continually develop skills and knowledge related to release coatings, release liners, tapes, and other materials testing
• Manage instrument calibrations, and maintain existing and new laboratory equipment in good working condition
• Provide input and ideas on equipment modifications and improvements to expand laboratory testing capabilities
• Test against established specifications for products and materials, and make recommendations based on test results
• Effectively process and present data to audiences of various technical backgrounds
• Own and complete standard lab functions such as coating draw-downs, test panel preparation, sample preparation, laboratory maintenance, performance testing, data entry, and observe production of and collection of samples from production floor

Qualifications: Required Skills, Education, and Experience

• Has bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics or material science. Math and statistics degrees will be considered
• Comfortable in a chemical lab and plant environments
• Proficient in office suites, particularly Microsoft Excel and Word
• Strong time management skills to manage multiple ongoing projects
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Flexibility with working hours during major trials
• Strong analytical and data processing skills
• Self-starter motivated to identify and implement laboratory and process improvements
• Team player with the ability to contribute effectively to collaborative projects
• Strong communication skills
• Curious and driven to expand product knowledge
• Good problem-solving abilities
• Performs well with high degree of autonomy

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong analytical chemistry skills
• Polymer science experience, especially experience with Silicone release coatings, release liners, polymeric films, paper substrates, and pressure-sensitive adhesives and tapes
• Prior experience with technical service or manufacturing environment
• Previous experience with new product introduction and scale-up
• Prior experience with PSTC testing or relevant ASTM standards for material testing

Travel

• Less than 5% domestic travel required

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an individual encounters and must meet while performing the essential functions of the job.

The position is primarily performed in the chemical laboratory and office settings using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers. The role occasionally requires visits to the manufacturing plant floor, where the individual may encounter moderate noise levels, temperature fluctuations, fumes or airborne particles, and moving mechanical parts. During these visits, compliance with OSHA safety standards, SQF regulations, and company safety policies is mandatory, including the use of personal protective equipment such as steel-toe safety shoes and safety glasses.

The position may involve extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as well as frequent verbal and written communication. Occasionally standing and walking on the plant floor is required, along with the ability to navigate safely around equipment and production areas. The individual may need to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds, such as files, laptops, or safety gear, and must be able to wear PPE when necessary.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The job description is not an exhaustive listing of all responsibilities and may be revised at any time.

Who Thrives Here

• You enjoy hands-on work and solving technical problems.
• You are organized, curious, and comfortable managing multiple projects.
• You are collaborative and work well across lab, production, and commercial teams.
• You take initiative and look for ways to improve processes and outcomes.

What We Offer

• Exposure to real-world manufacturing and product development environments.
• Opportunities to learn, grow, and take ownership of projects.
• A collaborative, supportive technical team environment.
• Competitive pay and benefits.
• The chance to make a measurable impact on products and performance.

About Duraco Specialty Materials

Duraco Specialty Materials is a leader in adhesive solutions and specialty materials, serving industries from packaging to product assembly. We are committed to innovation, quality, and helping our customers succeed through advanced material solutions.