Lab Technician

U.S. Silica Holdings Inc. is a global performance materials company and is a member of the Russell 2000. The company is a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry and in a wide range of industrial applications. Over its 125-year history, U.S. Silica has developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver more than 800 diversified products to customers across our end markets.

U.S. Silica's wholly-owned subsidiaries include EP Minerals and SandBox Logistics™. EP Minerals is an industry leader in the production of products derived from diatomaceous earth, perlite, engineered clays and non-activated clays. SandBox Logistics™ is a state-of-the-art leader in proppant storage, handling and well-site delivery, and is dedicated to making proppant logistics cleaner, safer and more efficient. The company has 26 operating mines and processing facilities and two additional exploration stage properties across the United States and is headquartered in Katy, Texas.

Job Purpose:

The Lab Technician will conduct a variety of benchtop experiments and testing, operate select pilot equipment, and characterize a range of new minerals and materials. The individual in this role will also need to prepare samples, document experimental procedures and report results, update or create standard operating procedures, troubleshoot equipment issues, and stay updated with developments in the fields of industrial minerals, building materials, and coatings. Experience working with inorganic materials is highly desirable, and previous experience with organic materials is a plus. A successful candidate is a detail-oriented person who is highly proficient in safety compliance and communication (written and verbal). This position will have the opportunities for professional development and career growth within the company.

Essential Job Functions:

• Sample preparation
• Lab-scale and pilot-scale equipment operation for materials processing
• Sample characterizations (e.g. particle size analysis, surface area analysis, calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, microscopy, rheology, color, solar reflectance)
• Collaborate with researchers, document and report experimental results
• Maintain a safe and clean workplace environment (5S and housekeeping)
• Work with R&D team members to develop new proprietary methods
• Maintain laboratory notebook to properly document procedure and data to support creation of patents, trade secrets and/or other intellectual property that provides business advantage
• SOP writing and updating
• Troubleshoot equipment issues
• Additional duties as assigned

Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Bachelors degree in m aterials science and engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, mineralogy, or related field
• Must have a minimum of 1 year lab experience working in an industrial setting
• The ideal candidate should have experience operating/maintaining/troubleshoot lab equipment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge and experience with safe industrial laboratory procedures including chemical handling, storage and waste management
• Eager to learn about new materials, processing technologies, and lab equipment
• Proficient in MS-office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience with LIMS is a plus

U.S. Silica is an equal opportunity employer for all without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability or veteran status. U.S. Silica is a smoke- and drug-free workplace. The above description is intended to capture the essential functions of the job, nature and level of work as of the preparation date. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be required of the position. This job description may be modified at any time with or without notice.