Product Technician
The Product Technician I position is integral to the manufacturing process of adhesive and abrasive coating operations. This role focuses on optimizing cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards. The position involves recommending and implementing improvements to production processes, methods, and controls, and coordinating the manufacturing launch for new or revised products and equipment. Additionally, this role supports R&D and product development by analyzing, testing, and documenting material performance and capabilities, and assisting product development projects from lab to manufacturing.
Responsibilities
- Prepare laboratory batches, test samples, and prototypes according to established formulations and instructions.
- Accurately weigh, measure, and mix raw materials following standard procedures and safety protocols.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as mixers, ovens, coating machines, viscometers, tensile testers, or analytical instruments.
- Conduct routine physical and chemical testing to evaluate product properties, performance, and quality.
- Record and summarize test results in laboratory notebooks, spreadsheets, or electronic systems.
- Communicate irregularities or unexpected results to supervising chemists or engineers.
- Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records, batch sheets, and test data in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
- Assist in preparing samples, reports, and documentation for product reviews or customer evaluations.
- Maintain a clean, organized, safe laboratory environment.
- Calibrate and perform routine maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment.
- Manage inventory of laboratory supplies and raw materials, notifying supervisors of shortages.
- Follow all safety policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Support environmental, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives, including proper waste disposal and labeling of chemicals.
- Participate in regular safety training and contribute to maintaining compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other applicable regulations.
- Work collaboratively with product development, quality, and production teams to support trials and scale-up activities.
- Suggest improvements to testing methods, documentation practices, or laboratory organization.
- Assist in troubleshooting formulation or process issues under the direction of technical staff.
Essential Skills
- Minimum 2 years technical experience in a Quality role with relevant experience in a laboratory, chemical, converting, or pressure-sensitive tape environment.
- Experience with product evaluation and the ability to follow written protocols.
- Excellent documentation and organizational skills.
- Experience with quality assurance, inspection, and quality checks.
- Experience working in an ISO 9001 certified manufacturing environment is preferred.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in math, science, or engineering is a plus.
Work Environment
This position operates within an adhesives lab environment and adheres to a first shift from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Bluff, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $24.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Lake Bluff, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Mar 16, 2026.