Research & Devt II - R&D Technician at Barnhardt Manufacturing Company in Mt Airy, North Carolina

Job Description:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Other duties may be assigned.

Prepares and tests lab scale polyurethane systems:

• Builds up batches from 50g to 120 lbs according to given formulations.


• Conducts testing on production batches, raw materials and R&D according to established procedures.


• Creates molded samples by hand mix or through equipment


• Operates LP/HP equipment


• Testing includes but is not limited to water titration, FTIR analysis, viscosity, specific gravity, density, age studies, hand mix and HP/LP machine molds and reactivity, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, tensile.


• With training and shown aptitude completes small R&D projects.


• Occasionally performs bench top QC testing for production when needed

Data Management:

• Records and reports results in an organized and legible manner in lab books, data sheets, Microsoft programs and email.


• Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.

Prepares, maintains, and cleans polyurethane application equipment and workspace:

• Set up and shut down high pressure, low pressure and spray equipment as needed.


• Follow maintenance procedures for keeping equipment ready to run.


• Clean and maintain molds.


• Construct and disassemble wall and test frameworks and substrates using power tools and saws on a daily/weekly basis.


• Disassemble, clean and reassemble spray guns as needed to maintain guns in working, ready-to-use order.


• Foam and liquid waste will be disposed after each experiment as directed.


• Store and organize samples kept for testing.


• The applications areas will be tidied and swept to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Releases and Holds batches:

• Responsible for releasing batches if they meet all specifications and criteria


• If batches do not meet specifications the technician must follow troubleshooting procedures to verify results and adjust batches as needed.

Calibration of Equipment:

• Conducts calibrations as needed


• Maintains well organized calibration records for inspectors.

Maintains Laboratory and Workplace Cleanliness and Supplies:

• Weekly cleaning of surfaces and equipment


• Weekly general tidying and organization in the laboratory


• Daily expectations to take out the garbage and clean personal workspace.


• Weekly inventory of chemicals and building supplies must be maintained and communicated


• Weekly replenishing of chemicals, laboratory supplies and building materials

Conducts and/or assists chemists/ sales in Root Cause analysis of production or field issues.

Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.

Provide technical support or assistance to chemists, sales, tech service and customers as needed.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Minimum high school diploma or general education degree (GED) + <2 years Vocational/Technical Program, or equivalent; Associates degree in Science preferred.

Minimum three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in mixing chemicals according to formulations is preferred.

Language Ability:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Math Ability:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in or from situations encountered in the job in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. (Examples of rational systems include: bookkeeping, internal combustion engines, electric wiring systems, house building, farm management, and navigation.)

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of:  Microsoft Office

 

Competency:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures, Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines, Reports potentially unsafe conditions, Uses equipment and materials properly

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Works well in group problem solving situations, Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics

Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses, Pursues training and development opportunities, Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills, Shares expertise with others.

Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations, Responds promptly to customer needs, Solicits customer feedback to improve service, Responds to requests for service and assistance, Meets commitments

Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming, Maintains confidentiality, Listens to others without interrupting, Keeps emotions under control, Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Listens and gets clarification, Responds well to questions. Participates in meetings

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively, Edits work for spelling and grammar

 Able to read and interpret written information

Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others, Inspires and motivates others to perform well, Effectively influences actions and opinions of others, Accepts feedback from others, Gives appropriate recognition to others, Displays passion and optimism.

Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities, Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views, Gives and welcomes feedback, Contributes to building a positive team spirit, Puts success of team above own interests, Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives, Supports everyone's efforts to succeed, Recognizes accomplishments of other team members

Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy, Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences, Educates others on the value of diversity, Promotes a harassment-free environment.

Ethics - Treats people with respect. Keeps commitments. Inspires the trust of others, Works with integrity and ethically, Upholds organizational values

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures, Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time. Supports organization's goals and values, Benefits organization through outside activities. Supports affirmative action and respects diversity

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment, Manages competing demands

Changes approach or method to best fit the situation, Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time, Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent, Arrives at meetings and appointments on time

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction, Takes responsibility for own actions, Keeps commitments, Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals, Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan

Initiative - Volunteers readily, Undertakes self-development activities, Seeks increased responsibilities, Takes independent actions and calculated risks, Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities, Asks for and offers help when needed

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions, Exhibits sound and accurate judgment

Supports and explains reasoning for decisions, Includes appropriate people in decision-making process, Makes timely decisions

Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals, Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles, Measures self against standard of excellence, Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities, Uses time efficiently, Plans for additional resources.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner, Reacts well under pressure, Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position, Accepts responsibility for own actions, Follows through on commitments

Quality - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality, Applies feedback to improve performance,

Quantity - Meets productivity standards, Completes work in timely manner, Strives to increase productivity, Works quickly

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate 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 associate will be engaging in these physical activities:

Physical Activity	Amount of Time
None	Under 1/3	1/3 to 2/3	Over 2/3
Stand				X
Walk				X
Sit		X
Use hands to finger(s), handle, or feel				X
Reach with hands and arms				X
Climb or balance			X
Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl			X
Talk or hear				X
Taste or smell			X

This job requires the ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) with or without corrective lenses. It also requires sustained mental concentration and visual effort.

This job requires that the person be able to independently lift or exert the amount of force or weight within the frequency specified below:

Lifting or Force Requirements	Amount of Time
None	Under 1/3	1/3 to 2/3	Over 2/3
Up to 10 pounds				X
Up to 25 pounds			X
Up to 50 pounds		X
Up to 100 pounds	X
More than 100 pounds	X

This job performs Medium Work. It requires the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 25 pounds of force frequently up to 10 pounds of force constantly, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Work Environment:

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

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to loud.

This job will be performed under the environmental factors given below:

Environment Conditions	Amount of Time
None	Under 1/3	1/3 to 2/3	Over 2/3
Wet or humid conditions (non-weather)	X
Work near moving mechanical parts				X
Work in high, precarious places		X
Fumes or airborne particles				X
Toxic or caustic chemicals				X
Outdoor weather conditions				X
Extreme cold (non-weather)		X
Extreme heat (non-weather)	X
Risk of electrical shock		X
Work with explosives	X
Risk of radiation	X
Vibration	X

The primary work location for this job is production floor and lab which may or may not be climate controlled, has operating industrial machinery and equipment, and movement of materials and people.

The work environment characteristics described above necessitates the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety Glasses, Gloves, Mask, and other protective equipment as specified by OSHA and other federal/state regulations. The employee must wear the prescribed personal protective equipment at all times while performing the duties of this job, and as specified or designated in production areas, warehouse areas, tools, equipment and materials.

Barnhardt Manufacturing Company is a federal subcontractor which maintains an affirmative action program: EOE/AA Employer including Vets and Disabled

Research and Development

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