Senior Technical Specialist

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Saint Gobain Life Sciences, a global leader in fluid management solutions and components, is seeking a hands-on team player to join their R&D team as a Senior Technical Specialist based at the Saint-Gobain Research North America Center in Northborough, Massachusetts. The position will report to the LS MT&I Process Innovation and Testing team supporting development of new products, manufacturing technologies through various prototyping methods and mechanical tests involving thermoplastic and silicone elastomers. The candidate will execute various mechanical & pump tests in addition to silicone extrusion of tubing under direction of a Senior Engineer. The position will be hands-on mechanical, involving handling material throughout compounding, prototyping and shutdown/maintenance/cleanout of lab scale to medium size equipment such as mills, presses and extruders. Testing involves characterizing mechanical properties of polymers per ASTM standards, Universal/Instron tester, hardness, customer specific application testing and test method development.

The individual must have a willingness to learn, apply test methods at a level consistent to meet validation (quantity and quality), maintain data collection/integrity standards and be able to setup/execute experiments both independently and under direction. Basic statistical data analysis, presenting data to a small team and electronically updating test requisition status using software e.g. Monday.com, uploading to other databases may be requested.

SG Life Sciences Essential Functions And Competencies

• Prepare, process and test materials for various bioprocess, medical, industrial and consumer fluid handling applications.
• Working specifically with elastomeric tubing, silicone/TPE prototyping, extrusion, molding, mechanical property testing and other defect analysis.
• Collect, analyze and document scientific and engineering data obtained from equipment.
• Setup, operation, cleaning and preventative maintenance/troubleshooting of extrusion and lab equipment or instruments.
• Plays an active role in lab management and meeting site specific goals to maintain and continuously improve Safety & 5S workplace organization e.g. HSE objectives, lab postings, safety audits, tours.
• Provide basic interpretation of data related to trouble shooting customer problems and other technical issues.
• Foster an open collaborative approach with other technicians and engineers (LS R&D, LS Manufacturing and CRL) to support work request intake, problem solving, training and share information in all areas of responsibility.
• Interact with Facilities, contractors, HSE and vendors to address lab/equipment issues.
• Non-routine test development such as design of fixtures and methods for experiments and simulation.
• Maintain lab supply inventories, shipment logistics etc.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Internal candidates: 2-5 years of experience as a Senior Research Technician.

External candidates: High School Diploma, GED or equivalent certificate with 7 or more years of experience; Associate degree with 4 years of experience. Prefer past experiences in R&D or manufacturing with some materials focus, areas of product development, testing, quality or operating equipment.

• Experience applying standardized test methods to characterize material properties in accordance with precise requirements in either an R&D or manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating and maintaining lab scale and medium size equipment for compounding, molding, prototyping, extrusion (preferred), curing etc. Training will be provided.
• Previous experience with Universal/Instron type testers preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and hands on capability A MUST.
• Capability to use personal computer and Microsoft Office applications, such as Excel, Word and Teams etc. for documentation, results and communication.
• General laboratory knowledge, proper chemical handling and lab etiquette.
  
  

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.