Senior R&D Tech I

Hollister Incorporated; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Hollister Incorporated in Libertyville, Illinois, is seeking a Senior R&D Technician I to support new product development, sustaining products, and packaging. You will work with scientists and engineers to build and modify prototypes, perform laboratory testing, evaluate materials and technologies, and contribute to test method development.

The role operates with limited supervision, requires an Associate's Degree with 4-6 years of related experience, and involves maintaining records, using

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree with 4-6 years of related experience.
• Strong documentation and data integrity practices.
• Experience building and evaluating prototypes in a lab setting.
• Familiarity with lab safety and standard operating procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and technical reporting.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing using established methods with limited supervision.
• Document observations and test results clearly and accurately.
• Build, modify, and troubleshoot prototypes under direction from engineering staff.
• Support prototyping improvements by identifying equipment, tooling, and material needs.
• Maintain complete, accurate laboratory records and use electronic systems for documentation.

Skills

Lab testing

Documentation

Prototype build

Excel

Technical communication

Safety knowledge

Problem solving

CAD

Robotics

Education

Associate's Degree

Tools

CAD

Robotics

Lab equipment

FTIR

HPLC

DSC

Gage R&R

MTS/Universal

Excel

Job description

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We Make Life More Rewarding and Dignified

Location: Libertyville
Department: Research & Development

Summary

The Senior R&D Technician I supports Research and Development initiatives for new products, sustaining products, and packaging. This role works collaboratively with scientists and engineers to build and modify prototypes, perform laboratory testing, evaluate materials and technologies, and support test method development activities. The Senior R&D Technician I works with limited supervision, applies established technical skills to complete assigned work, and escalates complex technical issues to engineering or scientific staff as appropriate.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have responsibilities for:

• Perform laboratory testing using established test methods, protocols, and work instructions with limited supervision.
• Document observations, test results, deviations, and issues accurately and communicate them in a timely manner.
• Build, modify, and troubleshoot prototypes using established instructions, drawings, or direction from engineering and scientific staff.
• Support prototyping capability improvements by identifying equipment, tooling, material, or process needs.
• Prepare materials, fixtures, samples, and test setups in accordance with applicable instructions and safety requirements.
• Create and maintain complete, accurate, and timely laboratory records.
• Use electronic document management systems and/or Novatek Stability LIMS to create and maintain electronic laboratory notebook entries.
• Participate on project teams as an extended team member and provide hands‑on technical support for assigned activities.
• Generate basic Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, charts, or summaries to organize and communicate test results.
• Support evaluation of new or alternative test methods and provide observations or recommendations for improvement.
• Perform weekly eyewash and safety shower inspections.
• Set up, operate, clean, and perform routine preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Maintain organized, clean, and safe laboratory work areas.
• Identify inefficiencies, roadblocks, and opportunities for improvement within assigned work and communicate them to appropriate team members.
• Support test method development and validation activities, including Gage R&R studies, under technical direction.
• Provide informal guidance to new associates, students, co‑ops, and interns on routine laboratory practices and equipment use.
• Complete all required training on time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions of the Role

• Conducting experiments, simulations, and feasibility studies.
• Applying scientific methods to process understanding and product development.
• Using tools like CAD, robotics, and lab instrumentation.
• Designing and testing prototypes.
• Iterating based on test results and market feedback.
• Maintaining detailed records of experiments and development processes.
• Writing technical reports and contributing to patent filings.
• Lifting, pulling and/or pushing up to 30 pounds

Education & Work Requirements

• Associate's Degree with 4-6 years of related experience

Education & Work Preferences

Specialized skills/technical knowledge

• Ability to work with limited direction from engineers or scientists on assigned tasks.
• Working knowledge of routine laboratory techniques, procedures, standards, and safety practices.
• Ability to use laboratory equipment, tools, fixtures, and materials to build and evaluate product prototypes.
• Strong verbal communication and technical documentation skills.
• Ability to learn new technical skills and processes and apply established procedures with limited support.
• Sound judgment in organizing work, prioritizing assigned tasks, and recognizing when escalation is needed.
• Technical problem-solving skills within assigned laboratory activities.
• Basic understanding of experimental design and data integrity expectations.
• Working knowledge of company products, materials, and customer needs preferred.
• Familiarity with equipment and processes used in new product development laboratories, such as leak testers and heat sealers.
• For Senior R&D Technician I roles supporting Technology Development: working knowledge of FTIR spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), High‑Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography, optical and digital microscopy, and mixing technology preferred.
• Working knowledge of Universal or MTS test equipment and software for tensile testing preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Familiarity with medical device quality and regulatory systems preferred.
• Be Agile - Innovates and adapts quickly, approaching change with curiosity while persisting through obstacles.
• Be Customer Centric - Considers the needs, experiences and feedback of customers in all we do.
• Be People-Focused - Builds trust and collaborates with an inclusive and empathetic approach.
• Be Performance Driven - Operates with an ownership mindset, driving meaningful outcomes.
• Live The Schneiders’ Legacy, Our Noble Purpose - Passionately serves Our Mission and Vision, while demonstrating the Immutable Principles.

Our Total Rewards package in aggregate is above market and includes competitive pay, paid time off programs, peer‑to‑peer recognition, health and life insurance, wellness programs and incentives, and generous retirement savings.

• The anticipated base pay range for this position is $50,000 - $70,000 yearly. The actual salary varies based on applicant's location, education, experience, skills, abilities, and other legitimate business factors.
• The Company’s health and welfare benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, spending/savings accounts, disability, company paid (parental and caregiver) leaves, statutory leaves/disability programs, accident, life, wellbeing, education assistance, adoption assistance, and voluntary benefit programs.
• The Company’s 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan includes: auto‑enrollment, ROTH, vesting and eligible participants “safe harbor” matching contributions.
• The Company’s paid time off benefits include: 11 paid holidays, paid vacation based on length of service and exempt/non‑exempt status, and sick days based on statutory requirements and/or exempt/non‑exempt status.
• The Company’s additional benefits include: education assistance and adoption assistance benefit programs.

About Hollister Incorporated
Hollister Incorporated is an independent, employee‑owned company that develops, manufactures and markets healthcare products worldwide. The company spearheads the advancement of innovative products for ostomy care, continence care and critical care, and also creates educational support materials for patients and healthcare professionals. Headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, Hollister has manufacturing and distribution centers on three continents and sells in nearly 80 countries. Hollister is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Firm of John Dickinson Schneider, Inc., and is guided both by its Mission to make life more rewarding and dignified for people who use our products and services, as well as its Vision to grow and prosper as an independent, employee‑owned company, and in the process, to become better human beings.

EOE Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.