Process Technician

Sofidel S.p.A.; Lewiston (ID); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Sofidel S.p.A. is seeking a Process Technician to support manufacturing operations with laboratory testing and process optimization.

The role includes calibrating instruments, verifying product quality, and assisting with development of testing procedures to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Ideal candidates will have 1–3 years of lab experience, strong data skills, and familiarity with paper mill processes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical coursework preferred.
• 1–3 years of laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of paper mill laboratory procedures and manufacturing processes preferred.
• Experience with pH, conductivity, ORP, and other lab tests.
• Strong data management and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory and wet-end testing on paper machines.
• Calibrate and verify instruments used in the process.
• Analyze chip slush and verify consistency meters accuracy.
• Develop testing procedures and maintain test data records.
• Monitor chemical usage and costs to support cost-reduction goals.
• Maintain sampling equipment and fiber-loss tracking spreadsheets.
• Communicate results to operations and maintenance teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data management

Laboratory equipment experience

Communication skills

MS Office

Prism

JD Edwards

Education

High school diploma or GED

Science/technical coursework

Tools

JD Edwards

Laboratory instrumentation software

Job description

Process Technician – Job Summary

Location: Lewiston, Idaho

Department: Technical Division – Consumer Products

FLSA: Non-Exempt

The Process Technician performs laboratory testing to support manufacturing operations by optimizing processes, calibrating instruments, verifying product quality, controlling raw materials and costs, and assisting with product and process development. The role requires independent work, accurate data collection, equipment calibration, troubleshooting, and reporting of results.

Key Responsibilities

1. Process Optimization and Verification

• Perform laboratory and wet-end testing on paper machines, including:
  • pH
  • Conductivity
  • ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential)
  • Freeness
  • Consistency
  • Entrained air
  • Temperature
  • First-pass retention
  • Alkalinity
  • Free chlorine
• Analyze chip slush and verify consistency meter accuracy.
• Develop and improve testing procedures.
• Compile and present test data in user-friendly formats.
• Support machine trials and maintain machine history records.
• Monitor fiber losses, chemical usage, and contaminants to reduce production costs.
• Inspect machine systems, drains, and effluent sources for fiber loss.
• Create maintenance work orders for equipment issues.
• Maintain sampling equipment and fiber-loss tracking spreadsheets.
• Communicate with operations regarding contamination and waste.

2. Calibration Verification

• Verify calibration of consistency meters and other process instrumentation.
• Perform moisture cross-checks on tissue machine parent rolls.
• Calibrate laboratory instruments including:
  • pH meters
  • Conductivity meters
  • Charge meters
  • Viscosity meters
  • ORP probes
• Maintain calibration documentation.
• Coordinate with Instrumentation personnel to resolve equipment issues.

3. Chemical Monitoring and Raw Materials Control

• Monitor and optimize chemical usage, including:
  • Retention aids
  • Defoamers
  • Charge control chemicals
  • Stickies control chemicals
• Test chemicals for pH, viscosity, conductivity, ORP, and temperature.
• Evaluate pulp quality and compatibility.
• Analyze competitor products and potential fiber sources.
• Work with chemical suppliers to maintain effective chemical programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Post-secondary coursework in science or a technical field preferred.
• 1–3 years of laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of paper mill laboratory procedures and manufacturing processes preferred.
• Experience using laboratory equipment.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with Prism, JD Edwards, or similar systems preferred.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and data management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.

Working Conditions

• Extreme temperatures, loud noises, and dusty industrial environment.
• Regular lifting of up to 25-50 pounds.
• Frequent movement throughout manufacturing and laboratory areas.

Core Skills Demonstrated

• Laboratory testing and quality control
• Process optimization
• Instrument calibration and verification
• Data analysis and reporting
• Equipment troubleshooting
• Chemical testing
• Statistical and spreadsheet analysis
• Cross-functional communicationPreventive maintenance coordination
• Continuous improvement and cost reduction

This position combines laboratory analysis with manufacturing process support and requires strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills in a paper manufacturing environment.