Senior Lab Technician - Defense

Senior Lab Technician / Lab Technologist - Defense

The Arclin Aramids business has an immediate opening for a full-time Senior Lab Technician out of our Richmond, VA Location. This would primarily be an on-site position with some Hybrid flexibility.

About Arclin:

You can find Arclin everywhere. Our technologies make homes and transportation safer, help crops flourish, keep water clean, protect first responders and members of the military, and preserve the purity of essential pharmaceuticals. These vital, everyday products cant fail, and we're here to give the world an extra layer of performance and peace of mind.

With ~4,000 team members across more than 30 global manufacturing facilities, we operate with the scale to make a global impact and the agility to solve complex challenges at the molecular level. Rooted in scientific discovery and innovation, Arclin's materials redefine performance across industries - from Firepoint's patented intumescent technology that helps stall flames and save lives to the iconic Kevlar and Nomex brands trusted to protect those who serve, strengthen aerospace and industrial systems, and perform where reliability and safety are top of mind.

As we expand our mission‑critical materials portfolio and shape the next era of performance technologies, we're looking for people who want to grow, lead, and solve the challenges others can't. Together, we'll advance the innovations that keep the world moving. Because at Arclin, our people are truly Vital Beyond Measure.

About The Role:

The Defense segment within the Arclin Aramids business is an exciting business focused on personal protection for soldiers and law enforcement agencies globally. We provide innovative materials used in soft body armor, hard body armor (helmets & plates), protective uniforms, vehicle armoring and civilian car armoring. The needs and expectations of personal protective equipment for military and law enforcement personnel continue to change to increase comfort while improving protection and performance of the wearer. We have several great brands used to promote our innovative products including Kevlar and Nomex the Defense segment is a growth segment with the expectation of investment in key initiatives for continued sustainable growth.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting research scientists and engineers in and independently contributing to various aspects of research and development for Defense Segment projects. With minimal guidance from supervision and within established procedures, the candidate will operate the Composites Lab, Ballistics Range (as necessary), prepare test samples of various form factors, perform end-use performance evaluations and maintain information/data management activities in support of new material, process or application development. Candidate is expected to conduct experiments independently and collect, summarize and present experimental results as well as recognize and troubleshoot problems as they arise in the labs and range. Candidate will also perform safety audit functions within the lab to maintain a safe working environment.

• Assist and participate in the invention process with other professionals.
• Conduct experiments, to completion, according to specific procedures, exercising independent judgment and discretion as appropriate.
• Maintain, organize and summarize results of experiments including notebook entries, regulatory documentation, data analysis, technical reports, etc.
• Maintain chemical and sample inventory, coordinate outside laboratory testing including shipping samples following DOT requirements and guidelines for import/ export.
• Inspect, use, and maintain research equipment including performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting. Implement refinements in evolving technologies, equipment, and methodologies.
• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and safety documentation.
• Must be capable of physical lifting and work in varying ergonomic environments.
• Work safely with hazardous chemicals, materials and solvents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as math and computer skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills using PC-based applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Excellent personal interaction skills and ability to work as a team member with a diverse group of people.
• Knowledge and skills to conduct hands-on experimental work in laboratory, analyze, interpret the data, and suggest modifications.
• Broad theoretical grounding and understanding in specialized or technical areas (i.e. chemistry, biology, engineering).
• Demonstrated competency in planning projects and multitasking.
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.

REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. in physical science (chemistry, organic chemistry, physics), engineering or related field and/or several years of experience in a similar research lab is required.
• Experience using CAD software to support automated lab equipment routines preferred.
• Some travel is likely required to support varying internal and external (customer) interactions (less than 10%)