R&D Technician

JOB SUMMARY

The R&D Lab Technician will perform a variety of tasks that support mixing processes and mechanical testing, including testing that supports R&D, Consulting Services, Order Support, New Product Development, and Engineering Support.  The Technician must be able to take written instructions and create test set-ups using existing facilities and equipment.  In some cases, the Technician will be asked to formulate a plan to create a new test setup, which includes developing a list of materials required to fabricate the test setup.  The ability to perform machining of metal parts, welding of metal parts and mechanical assembly is strongly desired.  Interpersonal skills, both within the R&D group and with other groups such as Engineering and Manufacturing, are an expectation. This is a full-time on-site position with limited to zero travel.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preparing test set ups (including tank, tank internals, shaft and mixing impellers) from both written and verbal instructions.


• The ability to use machine operations such as horizontal lathe, vertical mill, weld metal parts and assemble mechanical setups is strongly desired.


• Assembling and disassembling rotating equipment such as gearboxes and mechanical seals for inspection before and after testing of equipment.


• Testing of rotating equipment, including measuring temperature, vibration and sound produced by said equipment.  Training on wiring electric motors will be provided and is an essential duty.


• Training will be provided in the rigging, lifting and landing of heavy equipment using cranes.


• Running equipment and logging data using existing data acquisition software. Ability to perform mathematical calculations using Microsoft Excel is a requirement.


• Taking samples from mixing vessels and performing testing on samples using a variety of lab equipment (e.g. Viscometer, Moisture Analyzer, Particle Size Distribution Analyzer).


• Organizing the data collected during testing and providing a written summary report using Microsoft Word and/or Microsoft PowerPoint.


• Willingness to learn certain aspects of mixing theory and technology that can be applied to assigned test work.


• Maintain R&D’s model shop’s inventory of consumables, which includes ordering material through Purchasing.


• General housekeeping of lab facilities, which includes routine cleaning of lab equipment and test areas. 


• For tests that use customer materials, work with Commercial to coordinate the shipping of this material back and forth between the client and the lab.


• Adherence to all safety regulations and protocols at SPXFLOW is required.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a two-year technical degree or trades certification is desired or similar working experience. 


• Minimum of 2 years working in a production facility environment or machine shop experience is desired. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and email correspondence using Microsoft Office products.  Ability to interact with business clients that attend testing in a professional manner.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, areas, circumference and volume.  Competent in the use of conversion of units of measurement.  Able to apply concepts of geometry.  Calculations for mixing parameters will be taught with application to work expected. 

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands, fingers, handle or feel, talk, see, and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 25 pounds. Use of the appropriate PPE is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job operates in a manufacturing professional office environment. The employee can be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibration, and loud noise level while on the production floor.

The noise level in the office work environment is usually moderate.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Anticipated salary range for this position: $63,700/yr. to $89,260/yr. The anticipated salary range is what we believe to be the likely base salary range for this position at the time of posting. Actual salary for this position will depend on relevant qualifications, skills, and experience.

SPX FLOW VALUES

SPX Flow employees are expected to behave in accordance with our company values as outlined below.

QUALITY

Quality encompasses all aspects of SPX’s business, and every employee shares the responsibility to prevent the occurrence of any nonconformity relating to product, process, and the quality system.  All employees have an obligation to identify and record any such nonconformity, and through designed channels, initiate and recommend solutions.