R&D Lab Technician - Prototyping & Testing

Westlake Chemical; Valley Forge (PA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings in Valley Forge, PA, seeks an R&D Technician to provide hands-on lab and engineering support for product development, testing, and plant initiatives. You will balance technical lab work with administrative tasks to ensure efficient lab operations and accurate tracking of engineering activities.

The role requires machining, welding, measurement skills, and familiarity with lab environments.

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

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

Machining

Welding

Measurement tools

Lab testing

Organizational skills

MS Office

Education

Technical degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Word

Job description

Westlake Pipe & Fittings in Valley Forge, PA, seeks an R&D Technician to provide hands-on lab and engineering support for product development, testing, and plant initiatives. You will balance technical lab work with administrative tasks to ensure efficient lab operations and accurate tracking of engineering activities.

The role requires machining, welding, measurement skills, and familiarity with lab environments.