Laboratory Technician - Physical & Mechanical Testing

FMi Chemical, Inc.; Bloomfield (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

FMi Chemical, Inc. seeks a detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join its ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing facility. You will execute physical and mechanical tests on polymers, adhesives, lubricants, and coatings, ensuring data integrity and SOP compliance.

Responsibilities include instrument calibration, sample preparation, data entry into LIMS, and supporting OOS investigations. A 1–3 year background in a QA/QC lab is preferred; associate or bachelor degree required.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field.
• 1–3 years of hands-on testing/QA/QC lab experience in a commercial setting.
• Direct experience operating mechanical testing equipment (e.g., Instron, rheometers, tensiometers, hardness testers).
• Foundational knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and standard test methods (ASTM, ISO).
• Strong MS Office and LIMS skills with a commitment to data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Execute physical and mechanical testing on polymers, adhesives, lubricants, and coatings per methods.
• Maintain ISO/IEC 17025 compliance with traceable data and samples.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments (e.g., universal testing machines, rheometers).
• Prepare and log incoming materials and finished samples per specifications.
• Record data, perform basic statistics, and input results into LIMS.
• Support OOS investigations and CAPA activities.
• Uphold safety, SDS guidelines, and PPE requirements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical abilities

Data integrity focus

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Materials Science/Polymer Engineering/Mechanical Engineering Technology

Tools

Instron

Rheometers

Tensiometers

Hardness testers

LIMS

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Laboratory Technician to join our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing facility. In this role, you will play a critical part in executing physical and mechanical testing on a diverse range of materials, including polymers, adhesives, lubricants, and coatings. The ideal candidate operates with a high degree of precision, strictly adheres to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintains standard-compliant documentation to ensure the highest levels of quality and data integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Testing Execution: Conduct physical and mechanical evaluations (such as tensile, peel, shear, viscosity, hardness, impact, and adhesion testing) on polymers, adhesives, lubricants, and coatings in accordance with ASTM, ISO, and proprietary client methods.
• ISO 17025 Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 quality management system requirements, ensuring full traceability of samples, data, and equipment usage.
• Equipment Calibration & Maintenance: Perform routine verification, calibration, and preventative maintenance on laboratory instrumentation (e.g., universal testing machines, rheometers, tensiometers, and viscometers).
• Sample Preparation: Log, track, and prepare incoming raw materials and finished product samples according to technical specifications.
• Data Management: Accurately record raw testing data, perform basic statistical calculations, and input findings into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Root Cause Support: Assist in Out-of-Specification (OOS) investigations, corrective actions (CAPA), and standard laboratory audits.
• Safety & Environment: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment. Adhere to all safety protocols, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidelines, and PPE mandates.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related scientific discipline. (Equivalent professional laboratory experience will be considered).
• Experience: Minimum of 1–3 years of hands‑on experience in a commercial testing or industrial QA/QC laboratory environment.
• Technical Knowledge: Direct experience operating mechanical testing equipment (e.g., Instron, rheometers, tensiometers, hardness testers) and executing tests on polymeric or fluid materials.
• Standards Familiarity: Foundational knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and standard test methods (ASTM, ISO).
• Skills: Strong mathematical, analytical, and computer skills (MS Office suite, LIMS). High attention to detail and a commitment to data integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working directly within an ISO 17025 audited or accredited laboratory.
• Deep knowledge of standard test methods specific to adhesives (e.g., peel strength) and lubricants (e.g., rheology, shear stability).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to [e.g., 35-50 lbs.] occasionally.
• Comfortable working safely around chemical agents, polymers, and automated mechanical testing machinery.