Chemical Lab Technician

Responsibilities :

• The Lab Technician I role supports the Architectural, Colorants, and Adhesives team by providing product performance testing in a laboratory and/or field setting.

• Laboratory tests can include, but not limited to, use of mechanical performance testing, stability analysis, and wet state analytics.

• Coatings and adhesive samples are evaluated for film performance testing in lab as well as exterior durability.

• In lab testing, particularly of adhesives, will require an individual who is detailed oriented with skills in handling chemicals and operating lab instruments.

• The Chemical Lab Technician I helps the architectural coatings group by preparing, painting, and ratings various substrates for natural weathering. The site has a test fence where different substrates are mounted for long-term testing.

• Coordinate projects with the exterior technical specialist and perform repetitive tasks such as board painting with coatings provided from other lab members, reading color and gloss changes on the boards at planned time intervals, and rate the boards for coating degradation.

• Comfortable working independently or in tandem with other lab members as well as performing tasks outside such as substrate mounting and removal from the test fence.

• Data entry and preparation of reports are also part of the daily tasks for this position.

• This role involves painting boards with architectural paint and rating film failure.

• Physical aspects of the job include lifting, standing, walking, and pushing heavy carts. The use of hand tools, such as sander and drill, is part of the daily tasks.

• Part of this role is outside using an ATV to transport boards from the lab to the test fence.

Qualifications :

• Minimum HS Diploma or GED

• At least a year of general lab experience would be preferable.

• Must have a strong sense of work ethic and self-motivation.

• Must operate with a high sense of urgency.

• Must be able to work comfortably in a team environment and also effectively on individual efforts.

• Must have basic computer skills and be comfortable with email, MS Word and MS Excel.

• Must have the highest standards of integrity, accuracy and attention to detail.

• Must be flexible and capable of adapting to priority changes on a daily basis.

• Must possess good oral and written communication skills.

• Backgrounds in food industry, bartending, and/or warehousing are a good fit

• Laboratory skills advanced: Chemical handling and use of laboratory equipment for sample analysis

• Lift & Carry Up To 50 Lbs: Physically move boards or panels with aid of carts or racks

• Manual Assembly skills: Mounting boards on test racks may require use of hand/power tools

• Reporting skills advanced: Writing reports using MS PowerPoint, Excel to communicate findings

• Strong Evaluative skills advanced: Use observational skills to identify performance trends in samples

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance : Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first enrollment date that is at least 30 days after employment begins. Enrollment dates are each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.

Technical Certification Bonus: Synectics is pleased to award its employees a bonus of up to $500 for an approved professional certification. In determining the bonus amount, Synectics will consider the cost of the test(s) for any certification relating to your current position, achieved during your employment with us. Only one Certification Bonus per calendar year may be awarded per employee. Only current, active employees will be eligible to receive this bonus. It will be awarded 90 days after the Synectics office has received documentation confirming the successful completion of the certification.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.