Mixing Lab Technician

Nokian Lastik; Dayton (TN); On-site; USD 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Nokian Tyres is seeking a Laboratory Technician to collect, prepare, and test raw materials and semi-finished products, ensuring conformance to specifications and quality standards. You will maintain records, analyze data, and determine release status.

Responsibilities include calibrating lab equipment, preparing samples for external labs, and assisting with new process equipment launches with international teams. A strong focus on accuracy and safety is essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Lean / process improvement tools experience is a plus.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Nokian Tyres will not sponsor visas.

Responsibilities

• Collects, prepares, and tests raw materials, compounds, and semi-finished products per specifications.
• Records and maintains testing and analysis data.
• Analyzes results and determines release status per quality standards.
• Notifies leads of out-of-spec results.
• Performs lab equipment calibrations and daily checks to ensure data integrity.
• Prepares samples for outside labs/suppliers.
• Participates in installation and launch of new process equipment.

Skills

Raw materials knowledge

Lab equipment operation

Production flow management

Speed and accuracy

MS Office / computer skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Continuous improvement

Training others

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in technical field preferred

2 years minimum experience in related field

Lean / process improvement tools experience

Tools

MS Office

Lab calibration tools

Job description

• Collects, prepares, and tests raw materials, compounds, and semi-finished products for conformance to specifications and Company quality standards.
• Records and maintains records of all testing and analysis data.
• Analyzes test results and determines release status of raw materials, compounds, and semi-finished products according to Company quality standards.
• Notifies Production team leader, Quality Engineer and Lab team leader of any test results that are outside of the Specification Limits.
• Performs lab equipment calibrations and daily lab equipment checks to insure test data integrity.
• Reports any laboratory equipment issues to the Laboratory lab team leader for correction.
• Prepares samples for shipping to outside labs/suppliers.
• Participates in the installation and launching of new process equipment in cooperation with equipment suppliers and colleagues from Finland.
• Uses sophisticated technical test equipment requiring PC literacy and ability to read charts and graphs.
• Serves to train and coach newly assigned team members in the operation of equipment in accordance with work and safety instructions and production schedules.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervision.
• All other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Collects, prepares, and tests raw materials, compounds, and semi-finished products for conformance to specifications and Company quality standards.
• Records and maintains records of all testing and analysis data.
• Analyzes test results and determines release status of raw materials, compounds, and semi-finished products according to Company quality standards.
• Notifies Production team leader, Quality Engineer and Lab team leader of any test results that are outside of the Specification Limits.
• Performs lab equipment calibrations and daily lab equipment checks to insure test data integrity.
• Reports any laboratory equipment issues to the Laboratory lab team leader for correction.
• Prepares samples for shipping to outside labs/suppliers.
• Participates in the installation and launching of new process equipment in cooperation with equipment suppliers and colleagues from Finland.
• Uses sophisticated technical test equipment requiring PC literacy and ability to read charts and graphs.
• Serves to train and coach newly assigned team members in the operation of equipment in accordance with work and safety instructions and production schedules.
• Performs general Lab cleaning.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervision.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Knowledge of raw materials, processed rubber, standard lab practices, and quality standards.
• Possesses basic skills to setup, load and unload material into sophisticated lab test equipment with little supervision.
• Ability to maintain good production flow by processing raw materials, compounds, semi-finished products promptly and reacting to non-compliances and changes quickly.
• Ability to operate with speed and accuracy.
• Strong computer skills including basic knowledge of computer-based manufacturing applications. Proficient with MS-Office application suite.
• Demonstrates problem solving skills, is able to recognize and appropriately elevate issues when situations arise
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Commitment to excellence, high standards and ethical business conduct; continuous improvement mindset.
• Possess ability to learn how to train and coach others.
• Demonstrates strong problem solving skills

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate degree in technical field preferred, equivalent experience substitute
• 2 years minimum working experience in related field
• Lean / process improvement tools experience and/or interest in advancing knowledge in this area
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Nokian Tyres will not provide visa sponsorship

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this position. These requirements are job-related and consistent with business necessity. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

• Employees are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated production areas, which may include safety-toe shoes, safety glasses with side shields, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, and other PPE as defined by risk assessments and site policies.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the work shift.
• Ability to frequently move throughout production areas, including ascending and descending stairs, ladders, and work platforms.
• Ability to occasionally kneel, crouch, bend, stoop, reach overhead, and work in confined or awkward positions.
• Ability to frequently use both dominant and non-dominant hands for operating tools, handling materials, manipulating machine controls, and performing technical tasks.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move materials and equipment up to 35 pounds and, less frequently, up to 65 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to occasionally push or pull wheeled carts, equipment, or components requiring moderate force.
• Ability to visually inspect equipment, materials, gauges, and finished products to identify defects, malfunctions, hazards, or deviations, and to recognize safety signals, alarms, and changing conditions in the work environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to effectively receive, understand, and communicate technical instructions, safety information, and operational updates through appropriate means, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

• This position is primarily based in an active manufacturing environment and requires routine presence on the production floor.
• Employees are regularly exposed to noise, vibration, moving machinery, powered industrial vehicles, and other industrial hazards.
• Temperatures may vary seasonally and may range from approximately 65–100°F depending on the area of the facility.
• Raw materials used in the manufacturing process may include oils, carbon black, rubber compounds, sulfur, and other additives. Employees may encounter industrial odors, airborne particulates, or dust consistent with manufacturing operations.
• Work may occasionally involve exposure to elevated work areas, energized equipment, and maintenance activities requiring adherence to safety procedures.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) eligible after one month
• 401(k) matching 100% on first 6%
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Onsite fitness facility
• Fitness reimbursement
• Career advancement opportunities
• Quarterly incentive bonus
• Profit sharing

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Nokian Tyres is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law.

2nd shift, Mon-Fri