Technician II, R&D

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.
SUMMARY
Supports various engineering activities required to support manufacturing operations and product development for vinyl building products. Responsible for operating various types of lab equipment, product testing apparatuses, as well performing on the wall installations of various products as required for testing and evaluation. Position will support an engineering team assigned to support new product development, manufacturing, and Capital Expense activities (CAPEX). Participates in current and new product design and testing, material development and evaluations, competitive product evaluations and current product evaluations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
May include, but are not limited to, the following:
Operation and execution of product testing using various testing apparatuses within the plant to include an environmental test chamber, IR test boards, wind-load testing wall, and other apparatuses to be defined.
Conduct lab level compounding activities as a precursor to lab level material evaluations by following a pre-determined recipe for the test compounds.
Conduct lab material evaluations of finished PVC compounds or raw materials utilizing various types of equipment to include a 2-roll mill, lab mixer, strip extruder, torque rheometer, spectrophotometer, and QUV chamber.
Support line material evaluations as required and defined by process test documents to observe how well new PVC formulas or experimental materials perform during extrusion as well as collection of data as required to support the evaluation.
Interface with engineering and product development personnel to identify opportunities for improvement in areas related to profile design, product testing and evaluation,or new products.
Perform on the wall evaluations of modified or new products to evaluate fit, form, and function of the products as well as the aesthetic quality of the product after installation.
Support all initiates related to improving manufacturing processes, product defects, or tooling issues to include working tools or new equipment.
Provide off-site support for product evaluations at other plants or at supplier locations.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Proficiency with Windows based software required
Ability to work independently to resolve issues or problems on a day-to-day basis
Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
Ability to travel, Canada included
Knowledge of the extrusion process preferred
Ability to obtain license to safety operate a forklift
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.
Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any character