Lab Technician - Metals

Lab Technician - Metals
Our dedicated equipment operators and general labor are a critical piece of our business and enjoy the challenge to achieve and exceed our production goals. Their commitment to be the best they can be, focus on safety, attention to detail and quality have gotten us where we are today. We are looking for someone who is interested in more than just operating a piece of machinery but rather looking for ways to learn, grow and improve each day. Be part of our sustainable team that makes it all possible!
PADNOS is a full-service recycling company handling paper, plastic, metals and electronic recycling. We tailor recycling programs for consumer and industrial clients throughout the United States. PADNOS was founded over a century ago and continues to transform the recycling industry. The company has thrived as a family business through four generations and has grown to be a market leader and best in class innovator.
PADNOS has a rich history of taking care of our Team Members, their families and the multiple communities we serve. We invest in our Team Members and offer the following benefits:

Competitive Wage
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
100% Tuition reimbursement for Team Members
75% Tuition Reimbursement for dependents
First Time Home Buying Assistance
401K Match and Profit Sharing
Performance Driven Bonuses

LAB TECHNCIAN SUMMARY:
The Lab Technician's primary role is overseeing the material testing process for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The process requires using established sample preparation and testing techniques to obtain accurate data. The Lab Technician's role is a critical support role for the Buy, Sell, and Manufacturing processes through material identification and evaluation and interpretation of test data.
LAB TECHNICIAN ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Execute the lab testing process.
Compile test data, analyze test results and report findings to relevant personnel.
Maintain records of test data, samples processed, lab inventory, etc.
Maintain OES, XRF, remelt furnace, and other lab equipment in proper working condition including any required calibrations.
Conduct and maintain the wire sampling process. Melt down representative samples, test, and analyze data.
Test steel prime grades in accordance with the sampling schedule to supplement XRF testing.
Test ferrous and non-ferrous grades as needed to support metals operations and account executives.
Assists in development of techniques necessary to identify unknown materials outside of existing testing capabilities.
Assist in special testing projects as needed.
Assist in the development of new work instructions relating to testing process.
Understand customer specs including allowable limits for each customer.
Use quality data and customer specifications to identify trends in testing and potential quality issues.
Conduct recovery tests and other research to support the Wire Chop Plant.
Other duties as assigned including but not limited to receiving, shipping, and other operational needs.
Support the Quality Manager as needed. Potential tasks could include:

Create sampling plans for relevant grades.
Review test results and aggregate the data. Maintain the average chemistries.
Assist with the development of testing process and procedure for each plant.
Help maintain customer specifications. Develop and maintain internal product requirements.
Communicate directly with sales and manufacturing personnel regarding all quality issues.

LAB TECHNICIAN EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Actively pursuing or holding a bachelor's degree

LAB TECHNICIAN SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Strong technical knowledge of test equipment and testing techniques: analytical techniques include use of Optical Emission Spectroscopy, X-Ray Fluorescence, and remelt induction furnace.
Experience working in a controlled laboratory environment.
Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft office products. Proficient in Excel.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Well-organized.
Ability to work with all organizational levels.
Team-oriented with the ability to work independently.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize daily tasks.
Strong knowledge and understanding of metals (not required for purposes of hiring).

LAB TECHNICIAN BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS:

Consistently report to work on time prepared to perform duties
Work as a productive member of a team
Interact successfully with a wide variety of people
Seek feedback about performance and uses it to improve future performance
Accept responsibility for own behavior and attitude
Understand and commit to safety policies
Exercise sound judgment
Maintain a positive and respectful attitude with a strong sense of honesty and reliability.
Communicate in a clear, organized, and persuasive manner
Behave in a responsible, punctual, mature, and respectful manner

LAB TECHNICIAN PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly working in a typical laboratory and manufacturing work environment.
Exposure to hot, humid or cold conditions caused by seasonal changes when working in the plant.
The job requires wearing common protective and safety equipment when in the plant and when in the lab.
While performing the duties of the job, the employee may be asked to stand, bend, walk, sit, use hands, use tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, push pull or crawl.