R&D Lab Technician: Prototyping, Testing & Machining

Westlake Chemical; Leola (PA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division, is seeking an R&D Technician to provide hands-on laboratory and engineering support to advance product development, testing, and plant initiatives. This role combines technical lab execution with administrative and project coordination responsibilities.

You will weigh, blend, and prepare materials for development trials, assemble and test pipe samples, perform machining and welding, maintain lab organization and inventory, and support prototype

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

• R&D / Laboratory Support (Approx. 75%): 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
• Administrative & Project Support (Approx. 25%): 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

Lab support

Machining

Welding

Measurement tools

MS Office

Technical aptitude

Education

Technical field degree

Tools

Lab equipment

Job description

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division, is seeking an R&D Technician to provide hands-on laboratory and engineering support to advance product development, testing, and plant initiatives. This role combines technical lab execution with administrative and project coordination responsibilities.

You will weigh, blend, and prepare materials for development trials, assemble and test pipe samples, perform machining and welding, maintain lab organization and inventory, and support prototype