Job Title: Lab Technician Location: Forest Park, IL
Business Unit: Duraco Direct FLSA Status: Hourly Non-Exempt
Reporting to: Sr. Quality and Technical Excellence Manager Department: Technical/R&D
Direct Reports: No Effective Date: August 2025

SUMMARY

This role will be assisting the Quality and Technical Department by preparing samples and running physical performance testing. As tasks are assigned, this individual will be responsible for setting their own pace to complete assignments on time and maintain the laboratory. The individual must understand basic scientific processes and be able to follow written standardized test methods. Given that this role is part of a dynamic and evolving team, there is room for both personal and career development for an individual who shows commitment to the role and takes the initiative to engage in unassigned projects.

QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• Has or working towards bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics or material science. Math and statistics degrees will be considered
• Comfortable in a lab environment
• Proficient in office suites, particularly Microsoft Excel and Word
• Strong time management skills to manage multiple ongoing projects
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Flexibility with working hours during major trials
• Strong analytical and data processing skills
• Self-starter motivated to identify and implement laboratory and process improvements
• Team player with the ability to contribute effectively on collaborative projects
• Strong communication skills
• Curious and driven to expand product knowledge
• Good problem-solving abilities
• Performs well with high degree of autonomy

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong analytical chemistry skills
• Polymer science experience, especially experience with tapes, pressure sensitive adhesives, or polymer carriers
• Prior experience with technical service or manufacturing environment
• Previous experience with new product introduction and scale-up
• Prior experience with PSTC testing or relevant ASTM standards for material testing

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual 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 individual is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear, use hands or fingers, and handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
The pay range for this position is $21 - $23.50 per hour based on skillset and qualifications.
The job description is not an exhaustive listing of all responsibilities and may be revised at any time

• Participate in and eventually lead projects to analyze materials for qualification, develop new products, and provide technical support to commercial and operations
• Participate in trials and inspections on the production floor and collect samples as needed.
• Develop test plan and complete necessary testing for assigned projects
• Collect, organize and analyze data relating to relevant projects
• Continually develop skills and knowledge related to tape and materials testing
• Manage instrument calibrations and maintain existing and new laboratory equipment in good working condition
• Provide input and ideas on equipment modifications and improvements to expand laboratory testing capabilities
• Test against established specifications for products and materials and make recommendations based on test results
• Effectively process and present data to audiences of various technical backgrounds
• Own and complete standard lab functions such as: test panel preparation, sample preparation, laboratory maintenance, performance testing, data entry, and observe production of and collecting samples from production floor