Research Development Laboratory Technician

Arlon EMD; Rancho Cucamonga (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Arlon EMD in Rancho Cucamonga, CA is seeking an R&D Lab Technician II to support R&D, Quality, Technical Service, Manufacturing, and Engineering with a broad range of laboratory and process activities.

The role involves destructive testing, resin mixing, laminate and material characterization, data entry and interpretation, and participation in scale‑up efforts, with focus on safety and documentation compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry preferred; or an Associate’s degree with 3 years related lab experience.
• Demonstrated experience in resin mixing, material characterization, and testing is preferred.
• Strong mathematical and basic statistical skills required.
• Must pass respirator fit-testing and wear a respirator as required.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment; perform routine preventive maintenance and minor troubleshooting.
• Prepare resin formulations, fabricate laminates, and perform material characterization and destructive testing.
• Execute complex experiments, apply basic statistical analysis, and interpret results; generate reports.
• Support limited manufacturing scale-up activities, pilot trials, and processability assessments.
• Participate in technical meetings, establish timelines, and communicate results effectively.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with R&D and ISO requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Adhere to safety protocols, including respirator use and chemical handling.

Skills

Destructive testing

Resin mixing

Material characterization

Data entry

Data analysis

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry

Associate’s degree with 3 years lab experience

Job description

The R&D Lab Technician II supports R&D, Quality, Technical Service, Manufacturing, and Engineering through a broad range of laboratory and process activities. Responsibilities include destructive testing, resin mixing, laminate and material characterization, data entry, data monitoring and interpretation, as well as documentation and participation in scale‑up efforts. The technician is responsible for evaluating results according to specification criteria and monitoring data generated from lab research activities. The role also includes organizing and conducting research tasks as directed to meet product development objectives. Success in this position requires moderate autonomy, strong data‑handling skills, solid equipment setup and operation capabilities, and strict adherence to all safety requirements, including respirator use.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Set up, operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment; perform routine preventive maintenance, minor troubleshooting, and ensure all equipment is functioning per specifications.
• Prepare resin formulations, fabricate laminates, and perform material characterization and destructive testing; evaluate materials and processes for performance against controls.
• Execute complex, interrelated experiments, apply basic statistical analysis, and interpret results; generate clear, accurate, and comprehensive research and test reports.
• Support limited manufacturing scale‑up activities, pilot trials, and processability assessments.
• Participate in technical work request meetings, establish timelines, and communicate results effectively.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation in accordance with R&D and ISO requirements.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally, provide limited‑to‑moderate training to peers, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, including proper chemical handling, respirator use, and overall lab safety.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and /or ABILITY:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry preferred; or Associate’s degree from a two‑year college or technical school with a minimum of 3 years of related laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in resin mixing, material characterization, and testing is preferred.
• Strong mathematical and basic statistical skills required.
• Must be able to pass respirator fit‑testing, complete medical evaluation, and be certified to wear a respirator.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Self‑starter with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Hands‑on and analytical, with a focus on quality and attention to detail.
• Safety‑conscious and able to follow protocols completely.
• Flexible and able to manage multiple projects independently while maintaining focus and concentration.
• Strong observation skills with the ability to interact effectively across departments.
• Basic mathematical and analytical skills.
• Limited creativity and decision‑making required for this role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit use hands to finger, or handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and color vision. Employee is required to wear a respirator when performing certain duties in accordance with the Company’s Respirator program. Employee is required to wear a respirator when performing certain duties in accordance with the Company’s Respirator program.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. The employee frequently if required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with arms and hands; and smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.