Onsite R&D Technician: Lab, Machining & Testing

Westlake Chemical; Wayne (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings seeks an R&D Technician to provide hands-on lab and engineering support, advancing product development and plant initiatives. The role blends lab execution with administrative duties to keep projects on track and labs organized.

The position requires an onsite presence at Leola/Wayne, PA, with daily commuting and occasional cross-site work. Strong mechanical aptitude, machining, welding, and MS Office skills are valued.

Qualifications

• Education background in technical field with experience in technical or trade fields (e.g., engineering technology, manufacturing, industrial technology)
• Hands-on experience with assembly, testing, technical construction, lab work or similar
• Demonstrated mechanical and technical aptitude (e.g., machining, welding, measurement tools, lab testing)
• Exposure to lab operations, material handling, or shop environments preferred
• Strong organization skills with the ability to manage both technical and administrative tasks
• General computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Outlook, Word) preferred
• This is a fully onsite role. Must be able to commute daily to our Leola, PA office. Occasional work will also be required at our Wayne, PA R&D office
• Standard office hours with some flexibility

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary day-to-day lab technician supporting Engineering activities
• Weigh, blend, and prepare materials for development trials and testing
• Assemble and test pipe samples in support of R&D, product certification, and plant initiatives
• Perform hands-on technical work including machining, welding, and precision measurements (training provided as needed)
• Maintain lab organization, equipment readiness, and material inventory/flow
• Support prototype development and act as a technical resource for machine shop activities
• Process transactions including requisitions, purchase orders, coding, and invoice tracking
• Monitor and track Engineering project spend and related invoices
• Provide limited project coordination support, including scheduling and follow-up (approx. 1 day/week)
• Maintain essential administrative processes required to support site operations

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Machining

Welding

Laboratory testing

Organization

MS Office

Education

Technical field degree

Experience in technical or trade fields

Lab operations exposure

Engineering technology background

Job description

Westlake Pipe & Fittings seeks an R&D Technician to provide hands-on lab and engineering support, advancing product development and plant initiatives. The role blends lab execution with administrative duties to keep projects on track and labs organized.

The position requires an onsite presence at Leola/Wayne, PA, with daily commuting and occasional cross-site work. Strong mechanical aptitude, machining, welding, and MS Office skills are valued.