R&D Technician

UFP Industries, Inc; Prattville (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

UFP Industries, Inc is looking for an experienced Research Technician to join their R&D Team within Deckorators business in Prattville, Alabama. The successful candidate will assist in expanding non-destructive testing capabilities, conduct various product tests, and contribute to the product development cycle. A background in engineering or physical sciences, along with at least 5 years of relevant experience, is expected. The position offers weekday daytime hours with some flexibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience or an Associate/Bachelor degree in engineering, applied or physical sciences.
• Ability to troubleshoot testing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in expanding non-destructive testing capabilities.
• Conduct testing on product properties including QC tests.
• Develop an understanding of equipment and processes.
• Conduct experiments to improve or duplicate materials and processes.
• Take ownership of projects and meet goals.

Skills

Extrusion or testing experience

Knowledge of polymer processing analysis

Data analysis and reporting skills

Mechanical and analytical aptitude

Proactive communication

Education

Associate/Bachelor degree in engineering or sciences

Job description

Job Summary

We're seeking an experienced Research Technician to support the growing needs of our R&D Team within Deckorators business. The successful candidate will work closely with the R&D staff to accelerate Product Development Cycle and New Product Introduction. A high degree of initiative and resilience to challenges is expected.

Responsibilities

• Assist in expanding non-destructive testing capabilities of composite building materials.
• Conduct testing on product properties including standard QC tests as well as specialized non-QC tests.
• Develop in depth understanding of equipment and processes, troubleshooting and addressing issues.
• Assist in a phase or key part of a project by analyzing processes, products, or equipment against desired results, including formulation characterization and process optimization.
• Utilize pilot, lab scale, and production scale extrusion equipment to generate and process prototypes for further testing.
• Conduct experiments to improve upon or duplicate various materials and processes.
• Recommends improvements to R&D instrumentation, equipment, and lab procedures based on results analyzed.
• Assist in all trial runs, field evaluations, and analysis of customer requirements for a project.
• Assist in code qualification trials and testing.
• Presents meaningful results and unbiased conclusions to R&D and other technical functions.
• Assist in other functions of the R&D and engineering functions as directed.
• Be self-driven to meet project goals in a timely manner.
• Work under minimal supervision with project priorities in mind.
• Take ownership of the trial line to plan and execute trials efficiently.
• Assume accountability for assigned tasks and staying on schedule.
• Be flexible to adapt to changing work environment and priorities.
• Be willing to take more responsibilities as the job requires and evolves.

Preferred skills

• Extrusion or testing experience in extruded building products industry is a plus.
• Working knowledge of polymer processing analysis, testing and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and report data, including testing equipment troubleshooting.
• Understands lab scale processes and technologies for extrusion and composite building products.
• Excellent mechanical and analytical aptitude.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership.
• Sense of urgency and accountability.
• Proactive communication.

Job Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years relevant experience, or an Associate/Bachelor degree in engineering, applied or physical sciences.

Schedule

Work schedule is weekday daytime, some flexibility on working hours is expected.

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.