Americhem is a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds and performance technologies. Our business is built around delivering Performance, Solutions and Trust through close collaboration with customers seeking to optimize their polymer products. All of our products are backed by complete technical support that ensures quality, reliability, and value.
We are seeking a Process Technology and Design Technician to create, produce, and evaluate polymer products using compounding, parison-manufacturing, and testing equipment. This hands-on role prepares materials and samples, operates laboratory and pilot-plant equipment, documents results, and works with technical colleagues to ensure products meet customer specifications and project-defined critical-to-quality requirements.
This position is well-suited for a mechanically inclined technician who enjoys hands-on work, solving equipment and process issues, and contributing to new-product development. The ideal candidate combines attention to detail and sound judgment with a strong commitment to safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Prepare samples, accurately weigh and mix raw materials, perform tests, and follow established procedures to support consistent and reliable results.
- Operate compounding, parison-manufacturing, and testing equipment to create and evaluate products against customer specifications and project-defined critical-to-quality requirements.
- Contribute to the initial process development of new products and support the Design lab with sample preparation as needed.
- Work with Researchers, Development Engineers, and Process Design Technicians to review results, resolve issues, and ensure project requirements are met.
- Troubleshoot operating errors, perform routine maintenance, and help monitor and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
- Safely operate required laboratory and pilot-plant equipment and support equipment maintenance, calibration, and verification activities.
- Maintain accurate records of work processes, formulas, results, and observations in laboratory notebooks and the project-management database; prepare clear reports on results.
- Perform required mathematical calculations accurately and use critical thinking to evaluate work and identify potential issues.
- Manage multiple assignments and priorities, meet deadlines, and communicate product and project status promptly.
- Follow Quality System requirements and safety protocols, use required personal protective equipment, maintain clean and organized work areas, and contribute ideas for continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of two years of experience with compounding, prototyping, and testing processes and equipment.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely operate and troubleshoot laboratory or pilot-plant equipment.
- Ability to accurately weigh and mix materials, perform mathematical calculations, follow procedures, and maintain complete documentation.
- Proficiency with word-processing and spreadsheet software.
- Experience operating and troubleshooting extrusion processes is preferred; knowledge of color science and polymer chemistry is also preferred.
Desired Qualities/Attributes
- Detail-oriented and thoughtful, with strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Organized and adaptable, with the ability to plan work, manage multiple priorities, and use time effectively.
- Collaborative and respectful, with strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Results-oriented and committed to producing accurate, high-quality work.
- Self-motivated and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Willing to take ownership of assigned projects from initiation through completion and demonstrate basic leadership skills when needed.
- Committed to safe work practices, quality requirements, ongoing learning, and continuous improvement.