Carlisle Companies
Carlisle, PA
Job Description
The R&D Lab Operations Technician - Insulation will be responsible for operating and maintaining our high-pressure polyurethane foam machine and preparing hand-mixed experimental foam samples. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with R&D Scientists to produce experimental insulation foams for physical property, thermal, and fire testing. This individual will manage multiple projects independently, coordinate and plan trial dates, oversee chemical inventories, and ensure safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have experience in machine operation within a laboratory or manufacturing environment and possess strong problem-solving skills.
Employees in this position will typically work 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday, although start and end times may vary. The role has potential for overtime on Saturdays and/or Sundays, depending on CCM schedules and needs. This position will involve minimal, if any, travel, less than 10% annually.
Duties and Responsibilities:
60% - Operation of Polyurethane Foam Machine
Operation of foam machine equipment via HMI
Perform basic calculations for weighing and mixing
Dispense and weigh chemicals into a 55 gallon drum
Operate machinery to cut and fabricate foam samples
Create/Update/Follow Standard Operating Procedures
Cut samples for in-process testing
Train other employees as needed on procedures and equipment
Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate with maintenance personnel
Perform routine maintenance tasks
Handle hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals and waste
20% - Laboratory Tasks
Weigh, mix, and dispense liquid polyurethane blends to produce experimental foams
Cut samples for non-standard testing
Collect laboratory data and communicate to the appropriate Insulation R&D Scientist
Collaborate with Insulation R&D Scientists
20% - Other Duties as Assigned by Manager
Participate in 5S process
Participate in Safety Meetings, Good Catch & T3P Objectives
Assist in the identification, purchase & installation of new/replacement equipment
Packing or repacking material as required
Operate other equipment as necessary
Promote a positive work environment
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Essential Full Performance Knowledge
Operation of assigned industrial and laboratory equipment
Laboratory Information Systems
Basic Microsoft software packages
Company rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Chemical Hygiene Plan, Safely Handling & storing hazardous waste and materials.
Essential Full Performance Skills
Basic mechanical skills
Ability to be flexible and troubleshoot problems quickly.
Interpersonal skills; oral communication, written communication
Communication with operators, chemists, engineers, technicians, safety personnel, and management
Builds trust with others by encouraging open dialogue and collaboration
Mathematical reasoning and problem solving
Operate table saw, miter saw, band saw and other cutting equipment
Essential Full Performance Abilities
Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work well within a team and as a self-led individual contributor.
Ability to facilitate workload with good safety and practices.
Ability to train others.
Ability to use data to make decisions.
Ability to keep laboratory space organized, clean, and neat.
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or GED
3-5 years of experience working in a laboratory or manufacturing environment
Valid state-issued driver’s license
Working Conditions:
Environment – The basic work environment is a combination of office, laboratory, and climate-controlled pilot equipment settings.
The atmosphere is relatively fast paced and occasionally becomes stressful. The environment demands that multiple projects be worked on at the same time with safe and accurate actions taken under minimal supervision.
Work in manufacturing plants will occur, where there could be exposure to dirt, dust, and hotter/colder temperatures than office settings.
Often required to use high-speed internet connection to facilitate video calls, systems management, and other project related activities.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Used:
Eye and hearing protection and a safety vest are required at all times on the production
Safety toe shoes (steel/composite) on the production
Eye protection and closed heel and toe shoes are required in all R&D Labs.
Additional PPE may be required for specific tasks. Examples would include various types of gloves, hearing protection, lab coat and respirator.
Other PPE as defined by management within assigned
#LI-KM1