Research and Development Technician

Job Title: R&D Technician

Department: CWP

Reports to: CWP Manager

Location: Metal Business Unit

Pay Rule: Hourly

Job Summary: The Research and Development Technician works closely with product engineering, manufacturing, and quality departments to improve and develop cutting edge process and product quality innovations.

Key Responsibilities

• Experimentation and Testing: Execute experiments, tests, and trials according to established protocols and procedures. Accurately record and analyze data, meticulously maintaining records.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment andmachinery. Perform minor repairs and coordinate with maintenance teams when necessary.
• Prototyping: Collaborate in the creation and assembly of prototypes for new products or manufacturing processes, ensuring they meet design specifications.
• Production: Produce work and finish custom products according to the specifications, to the required manufacturing standards, work instructions, work order requirements, and safety standards.
• Data Analysis: Assist in analyzing test results using various software tools and contribute to technical reports for the R&D team and management.
• Inventory & Lab Management: Maintain and check stock to determine number of custom components available and anticipate stocking requirements for stocking programs.
• Documentation: Maintain precise and detailed records of experiments, results, and observations. Assist in the preparation of technical documentation and reports.
• Collaboration: Support and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering,scheduling, and production, to meet project goals and milestones.
• Quality Control: Implement quality control procedures to ensure the reliability and consistency of experimental data and manufacturing processes.
• Safety: Adhere to strict safety protocols and guidelines within the manufacturing environment. Participate in safety training and actively promote a culture of safety in the R&D department.
  
  

Requirements

• High School Diploma / GED; technologist diploma, associate’s, or bachelor's degree in related manufacturing or manufacturing field is preferred.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or mechanical engineering environment is preferred, including familiarity with manufacturing equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow precise instructions and protocols.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and organized manufacturing environment.
  
  

Working Conditions: Exposure to a manufacturing environment, which may include loud noise, dust, and varying temperatures.

Physical Requirements

Walking: <1 hour per day.

Standing: approx. 5+ hours per day.

Sitting: approx. 2 hours per day.

Lifting floor to waist: +15 Kilograms.

Lifting waist to shoulder: 5 Kilograms.

Stair climbing: Occasionally.

Ladder Climbing: Occasionally.

Travel to work: Ability to drive a car or use public transit.

Bending and Twisting: Full torso and upper body repetitive movement.

Dexterity: Must have use of both hands (gripping, pinching and fine work).

Push/Pull: +10 Kilograms.

Vibration: Hands, Arms, Shoulders / Upper body (deburr, pedestal grinder).

Vision: Full & clear.

About ZOOK

ZOOK is committed to finding pressure relief solutions for our customers that maximize our customers’ productivity and performance while keeping their people safe. ZOOK is a global market leader with over 90 years of manufacturing expertise of high quality metal & graphite rupture disks and other pressure relief products. ZOOK has global locations in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada and Malaysia, with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Canada and the USA.We are dedicated to investing heavily in the latest technology and production to stay competitive in the marketplace, and are able to offer comprehensive solutions to the selection and sizing of products best suited for each customer application.