Lab Technician I

Position Summary

The R&D / Lab Technician is responsible for conducting daily laboratory testing, supporting production quality, and managing continuous burn testing operations. This role plays a critical part in ensuring product performance, consistency, and compliance through material testing, data analysis, and reporting.

This position requires strong multitasking ability, attention to detail, and the ability to manage overlapping test processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Burn Testing (Primary Responsibility)

• Set up and execute daily burn testing cycles for fire logs
• Monitor active burn cycles (4–5 hours per cycle)
• Record flame height measurements at designated intervals (30, 90, 180 minutes)
• Maintain and clean fireplaces throughout the testing process
• Initiate secondary burn cycles as required
• Compile and report burn data to the R&D Engineer

Laboratory Testing & Analysis

• Collect material samples from production (Mixers 1 & 3)
• Perform:
• BTU testing
• Puck density testing
• Moisture analysis
• Particle size analysis
• Bulk density testing
• Conduct repeat testing and validation as needed
• Support additional product and material testing requests

Data Management & Reporting

• Accurately record all test results in Excel or internal systems
• Verify data integrity and test accuracy
• Prepare and submit daily burn logs and lab reports
• • Update R&D performance tracking charts, including:
  • BTU values
  • Moisture content
  • Particle size
  • Bulk density
  • Puck density

  Production & Quality Support

  • Provide real-time feedback on mix quality to production teams
  • Assist in identifying process or material issues
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives

  Lab Maintenance & Organization

  • Maintain clean and organized lab and testing areas
  • Clean and service fireplaces used in burn testing
  • Perform routine equipment maintenance and upkeep
  • Dispose of unused or excess materials per guidelines

  Advanced Testing (As Needed)

  • Conduct specialized testing, including:
  • Wax viscosity
  • Flash point
  • Melting point
  • Energy output (BTU)
  • Support R&D projects and product development trials

  Work Structure & Environment

  • Continuous daily monitoring of time-sensitive testing processes
  • High level of multitasking with overlapping responsibilities
  • Combination of lab, production floor, and testing environments
  • Requires adherence to safety and quality standards

  • Required Qualifications

    Education & Experience

    • Associate or bachelor’s degree in a technical field (preferred)
      (e.g., Chemistry, Engineering, Material Science, or related)
    • 1–3 years of experience in a lab, manufacturing, or quality environment preferred

    Skills & Competencies

    • Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
    • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
    • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel
    • Problem-solving and analytical thinking
    • Strong organizational and time management skills
    • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision