Associate, R&D Technician

Job Type: Full-time
Classification: Non-Exempt
Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour based on experience
Physical Setting/work location: On-site in Columbia MD

Vorbeck is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate R&D Technician to support the formulation testing and continued development of our PFAS-free firefighting foam technologies. This is a hands-on laboratory role responsible for preparing formulations and samples conducting laboratory and performance testing documenting results and supporting ongoing research and product development projects.

Working alongside scientists engineers and other technical team members the R&D Technician will gain exposure to a range of formulation testing and product development activities while developing strong technical knowledge of Vorbecks firefighting foam products laboratory methods and performance testing.

• Formulation & Sample Preparation: Prepare firefighting foam formulations according to written formulation sheets procedures and established protocols. Accurately measure mix label and handle raw materials and samples while maintaining consistency and attention to detail. Prepare Vorbeck formulations competitive products and other samples to support product development evaluation and testing.

• Laboratory Testing & Documentation: Perform routine analytical and performance testing on firefighting foam formulations competitive products raw materials and developmental samples. Operate relevant laboratory and testing equipment and accurately document test conditions observations measurements and results. Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) testing methods and documentation requirements to maintain accurate and traceable laboratory data.

• Research & Technical Support: Support internal research and product development projects by preparing experiments conducting assigned testing collecting data and communicating observations and results to scientists engineers and other technical team members. Recognize unexpected results or testing observations and communicate findings to the appropriate team members. Contribute ideas that may improve testing methods laboratory processes and overall efficiency.

• Laboratory Safety & Operations: Maintain a safe clean organized and efficient laboratory environment by following established safety procedures and properly utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE). Properly handle store and dispose of laboratory materials and assist with maintaining laboratory supplies equipment samples and workspaces.

• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with scientists engineers technicians and other team members to support laboratory priorities and project timelines. Participate in training and cross-training across relevant laboratory procedures equipment and testing methods. Build technical proficiency and take on greater independence as knowledge of Vorbecks products processes and laboratory methods develops.

• Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational goals and business needs.

Qualifications :

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry Chemical Engineering Materials Science or a related scientific or technical field preferred but not required. Equivalent relevant laboratory or technical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Basic understanding of chemical principles laboratory practices and laboratory safety.

• Academic laboratory internship research capstone or other hands-on technical experience is beneficial.

• Previous experience working in a chemistry formulation materials science or product development laboratory is preferred but not required.

Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrates initiative reliability and a consistent work ethic.

• Genuine interest in hands-on laboratory work product development and applied research.

• Eagerness to learn new laboratory techniques testing methods equipment and technical concepts.

• Attention to detail and ability to consistently follow written procedures and instructions.

• Ability to accurately record observations measurements and test results.

• Ability to perform routine and repetitive laboratory tasks while maintaining accuracy and consistency.

• Effective organizational and time-management skills.

• Clear verbal and written communication skills.

• Willingness to ask questions receive feedback and apply training to future work.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a technical team while developing greater independence.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time up to approximately seven hours during a workday.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as part of regular job responsibilities.

• Must be able to perform the physical activities necessary for laboratory work including standing walking bending reaching and handling laboratory materials and equipment.

Additional Information :

Benefits include:

• Medical Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Program
• Vacation Personal Time and 10 Paid Holidays
• Company-sponsored Short-Term Disability Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Opportunity for Relocation Assistance

*Vorbeck is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color ethnicity national origin religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth lactation or related medical conditions) marital status sexual orientation gender identity and expression disability veteran status military or uniformed service member status or any other status protected by applicable federal state local or international law. This position will involve work on government contracts and the government requires that qualified candidates must be United States citizens. All personal information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.*

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time