Research & Development Technician

Position Summary

Reporting to the Research & Development Manager, the Research & Development Technician supports the development and evaluation of new materials and manufacturing processes by preparing test specimens, operating laboratory and production equipment, performing testing according to approved plans and procedures, accurately documenting data and observations, and maintaining materials, equipment, and records in accordance with quality and safety requirements.

How You’ll Make an Impact
•    Perform R&D testing and characterization according to approved test plans, procedures, and instructions
•    Prepare, identify, track, store, and ship test specimens and materials
•    Operate laboratory and production equipment to produce R&D specimens using powder blending, mixing, molding, CIPing, pressing, trimming, sintering preparation, bead blasting, and cleaning processes
•    Accurately record test conditions, measurements, observations, and results
•    Assist engineers with experiments, investigations, equipment trials, and process-development activities
•    Support basic data review and communicate unusual results, equipment issues, or process deviations
•    Draft and update work instructions, procedures, and record sheets under appropriate review
•    Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, tooling, work areas, and sample inventories
•    Coordinate materials and samples sent to external laboratories, vendors, and processing facilities
•    Identify and support process, yield, equipment, quality, and cost improvements
•    Follow Praxis’ Quality Management System, quality-assurance procedures, and applicable OSHA requirements
•    Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly laboratory and production environment

What You Bring to This Role

•    Associates Degree in engineering, science, or related field preferred or a combination of relevant and practical work experience and demonstrated proficiency in science and engineering
•    Proven history of scientific data collection, analysis, and reporting 
•    Proven attention to detail and focus in an active environment with the ability to complete tasks, and to work
independently and proactively 
•    Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to build personal and team-based relationships with all levels of associates 
•    Proven history working in Microsoft Office, including Excel
•    Proven ability to calmly transition between multiple, and changing priorities 
•    Demonstrated comfort with basic math skills including: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and rounding - required
•    Demonstrated oral and written communication skills , including advanced technical writing
•    Proven experience in support role working in the medical device, aerospace or related industry 
•    Experience in production operations, safety and security protocols 

Working Conditions & Physical Efforts

•    Work is performed in a Production environment
•    May be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
•    Ability to stand or sit for a prolonged period of time
•    Visual functions being those of near vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
•    Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with leadership & clients
•    Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or operate equipment
•    Low exposure to physical risk