Rubber Lab Technician

Socket.dev; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Rubber Lab Technician to support the Lead Rubber Lab Technician in sample preparation and quality testing of rubber materials and parts, including mixed, extruded, and molded components, to ensure they meet internal and customer specifications.

The role involves daily testing, entering results into the Lab System and development spreadsheets, coordinating with production, engineering and technical teams on trial materials, and maintaining proper documentation,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Prior lab or rubber industry experience is a plus (not required).

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily testing of rubber samples.
• Prepare rubber compounds for molding and testing.
• Enter test results into Lab System and spreadsheets.
• Communicate results and release material for production.
• Collaborate with teams to test trial materials and report findings.
• Complete documentation and certifications.
• Perform material release duties after lab approvals.
• Maintain OSHA-compliant, clean and safe work area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

MS Office

Math skills

Analytical thinking

ASTM standards

Attendance

Hypothesis testing

Scientific method

Observation reporting

Variation awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Tensometer

Rubber cutters

Ovens

Calipers

MDR

Mooney Viscometer

Job description

Rubber Lab Technician

Position Summary:

Shift: 10:00am - 6:00pm

The Rubber Lab Technician is responsible for working in conjunction with and assisting the Lead Rubber Lab Technician in performing sample prep and quality testing of rubber materials and parts, including mixed, extruded, and molded components. This role ensures materials meet internal and customer specifications by accurately collecting, recording, and reporting test data. The technician works closely with the production, engineering, and technical teams to support compound development, trial evaluations and maintain compliance with quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct daily testing of mixed, extruded, and molded rubber samples.
• Prepare rubber compounds for molding and testing.
• Enter test results accurately and promptly into the Lab System database and development spreadsheets.
• Communicate results and release material for production based on testing outcomes.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and technical teams to test trial materials and report findings.
• Complete all documentation and computer entries accurately, including customer-specific product certifications.
• Perform material release duties regarding hold tag pulling upon lab approvals.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in compliance with OSHA standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Equipment Utilized (with supervision):

• Tensometer
• Rubber sample cutters
• Ovens
• Calipers, snap gauges, scales
• Moving Die Rheometer (MDR)
• Mooney Viscometer

Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other lab-related software
• Strong basic math skills
• Mechanical aptitude with analytical thinking skills
• Ability to read and interpret ASTM and similar technical standards
• Consistent and exemplary attendance record
• Ability to create and test a hypothesis
• Mastery of basic scientific method
• Ability to communicate observations about the test and test results
• High level of awareness – e.g. Potential differences in test samples, surface condition, variation in test values, etc.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Prior laboratory or rubber industry experience is a plus (not required)

Work Environment:

This position operates in a laboratory and manufacturing environment. Proper PPE and adherence to safety protocols are mandatory. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.