Senior Technician R&D

Kraton Polymers LLC; Minnesota; On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraton Polymers LLC in Houston, TX is seeking a Sr. Technician to provide laboratory synthesis, analytical support, and manufacturing assistance. The role focuses on safe operations, data integrity, and collaboration with scientists to drive target market growth.

You will support plant trials and technical service activities and help maintain process efficiency. The ideal candidate has a chemistry background with strong experimental skills, a safety-first mindset, and hands-on experience setting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering.
• 3–5 years related experience preferred.
• Role requires lab synthesis, analysis and safety awareness.
• Strong ability to translate procedures into working methods.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to experimental programs and testing.
• Set up and execute routine/ad-hoc experiments; record data.
• Formulate experimental plans with supervisor guidance.
• Communicate deviations and offer explanations.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Support internal customers with technical service tasks.
• Generate quality data by deadlines and share results.
• Handle basic purchasing for materials under PO input.
• Monitor lab safety and enforce regulations.
• Create or edit SOPs as needed.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Analytical chemistry

Inorganic chemistry

Laboratory automation

Process technology

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's or Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering

3–5 years related experience

Job description

About the Position

At Kraton, we make a Positive Difference, and we are looking for individuals who are also looking to make a difference in their jobs, for our customers and to the world. We are looking to hire a key member of our R&D team at our Houston, TX location.

The purpose of the Sr. Technician role is to provide laboratory synthesis, analytical, technical service and manufacturing support (such as plant trials) to scientists, to support the maintenance and growth of the business in target market segments. The Sr. Technician is expected to perform all duties in a safe manner, and to maintain a safe operating environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to value creation in the working environment through experimental knowledge and demonstrating healthy behaviors
• Contribute to the set-up and execution of routine or ad-hoc experimental programs or testing by selecting from a limited range of known methods and/or conditions; record and analyze data and make recommendations
• Formulate experimental programs in consultation with direct supervisor
• Communicate experimental deviations from expected or specified levels, and suggests explanations or further inquiries
• Coordinate and troubleshoot any equipment maintenance requirements
• Participate in small technical service projects; provide relevant input while supporting internal customers
• Produce quality data by the agreed upon deadlines and communicate results to internal customers as needed
• Routinely purchase standard materials and/or chemicals and contribute to minor changes/improvements to installations or equipment (purchase order input)
• Monitor the labs to ensure regulations and safety are enforced
• Carry out experimental work according to clearly defined safety and environmental guidelines
• Create or edit Standard Operating Procedures
• Make proposals during meetings (within working environment) that may contribute to solving problems
• And other duties as assigned to safely perform

Required Skills

• Knowledge and practical experience in at least one of the following: organic chemistry; analytical chemistry; inorganic chemistry; laboratory automation; process technology
• Basic understanding of underlying experimental concepts
• Demonstrated ability to explain to others how and why the applied methods and equipment work
• Demonstrated ability to build experimental set-ups and modify on the basis of results
• and select the appropriate components and/or auxiliary equipment if necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to select the source of relevant factual information from a well[1]defined or small collection of professional literature in own field
• Understanding of equipment procedures required to execute experiments, and ability to translate procedures into a detailed working method
• Advanced knowledge with relevant health and safety policies with regard to experiments and chemical use (HAZCOM)

Education, Certifications & Licenses

• Bachelor's Degree or Associate's degree preferred: Biology, Chemistry, Engineering
• Minimum 3-5 years related experience preferred

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Kraton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.