POLYMER MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN

YTC America Inc.; Camarillo (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

YTC America Inc. (YTCA), the North American R&D center of Yazaki Corporation, seeks a Polymer Materials R&D Technician. You'll perform hands-on polymer processing, sample prep, material characterization, and support for process development and scale-up in a collaborative lab environment.

The role emphasizes experimental data generation, strict procedural adherence, and teamwork. A 5+ year background in polymer-related lab/industrial settings is preferred, with safety and continuous learning as a

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or related field with five+ years of lab/industrial experience.
• Hands-on lab, pilot plant, or manufacturing experience with materials processing and testing.
• Knowledge of materials characterization and data analysis is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process polymer formulations; independently operate polymer processing equipment; conduct processing trials and material testing per procedures/ASTM/ISO standards.
• Document experimental results and prepare technical reports; support evaluation of raw materials and formulation changes.
• Assist with pilot- and production-scale trials; perform routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting; maintain laboratory materials and safety procedures.

Skills

Lab experience

Materials processing

Materials characterization

Data analysis

Mechanical aptitude

Record keeping

Excel proficiency

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Education

Chemistry/Materials degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Pilot plant equipment

Job description

POLYMER MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN

• Status/FLSA: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• Date: November 4, 2026

Job Description

YTC America Inc. (YTCA), the North American corporate research and development center of Yazaki Corporation, Japan is seeking a talented and highly motivated individual to fill the position for a Research and Development (R&D) Technician within its Materials R&D group.

Responsibility

Reporting to the Project Manager of the Polymer group, this individual will serve as a key member of the laboratory's research staff, supporting the research and development of advanced polymer and sustainable material technologies. The role emphasizes hands-on polymer processing, sample preparation, material characterization, and support for process development and scale-up. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative R&D environment, generate reliable experimental data, and demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and apply new techniques.

Key Duties:

Prepare and process polymer formulations; independently operate polymer processing equipment; conduct processing trials and material testing in accordance with established procedures and ASTM/ISO standards; document experimental results and prepare technical reports; support evaluation of raw materials and formulation changes; assist with pilot- and production-scale trials; perform routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting; maintain laboratory procedures, materials, and supplies; and ensure compliance with applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements.

Requirements

Candidates should meet the following education and experience combinations:

• An associate or bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field, with five (5) or more years of laboratory or industrial experience.

Core Qualifications:

Hands-on laboratory, pilot plant, or manufacturing experience with materials processing and testing; foundational knowledge of materials characterization; mechanical aptitude and basic equipment troubleshooting skills; ability to follow procedures, conduct experiments, maintain accurate records, and analyze data; strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills; proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard office applications; and a commitment to workplace safety and continuous learning.

Preferred Experience:

Experience in polymer processing techniques (compounding, extrusion, molding, and blending); mechanical, physical, thermal, and rheological testing; material characterization using analytical instruments; ASTM/ISO testing standards and equipment calibration; and basic statistical analysis, design of experiments, and process scale-up or manufacturing trials. Training will be provided based on project requirements, and expertise in all areas is not required.

The ideal candidate will be capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team, including close interaction with technical staff across research and product development, while performing hands-on laboratory work. They should demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining a safe laboratory environment, along with a high level of professionalism, work ethic, and a can-do attitude. Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively are essential. Additionally, the position requires the ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

YTCA offers a state-of-the-art research facility, competitive compensation, and an excellent benefits package:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Leave.
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• 401(k) Plan, and Employer and Safe Harbor Matching Contribution.
• Bonus Program.
• Educational Tuition Reimbursement.

Hourly Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 - YTCA considers several factors when determining an employment offer, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, relevant skills, work experience, education, training, and overall compensation.

YTCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religious creed, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.