Lab Technician

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.

Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.

Learn about our company culture directly from our team.

YOU

As a Lab Technician, focusing on Construction products/processes, you will work with our engineers to construct and test a wide variety of product prototypes in concrete construction, provide manufacturing support, and help ensure compliance with building codes.  We have a proud history of developing innovative products through testing to show how products work in the real world.  Ideal candidates are organized, excellent team players, have good attention to detail and willing to learn new technology/applications.

We are willing to train if you are willing to learn and be committed to our team.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING (% of Time)

Conduct product testing according to test standards. Product testing to ASTM standards and Building Code Acceptance Criteria is done all while collecting data in a safe and accurate manner. The testing consists of tensile, shear and creep testing on existing and prototype products. The products tested are mechanical, adhesive and carbon fiber based anchors that are meant to achieve high capacity hold in various conditions. Test preparations include drilling, cleaning and setting up hydraulic actuators and fixtures for the anchors to be tested. Additional product and installation testing may include other carbon fiber strengthening products and gas or powder actuated steel pins. (40%)

Fabricate/prepare test specimens (concrete forms, assemblies, fixtures and materials) for product testing. Much of the lab testing is done on samples that are prepared in house by the lab technicians. For example, we pour concrete, lay up carbon fiber, condition specimens and build test specimens that replicate the products' end use. (40%)

Responsible for maintenance of test lab equipment and calibrations. Laboratory technicians are responsible for internal and external audit documentation of calibrations, safety, and data accuracy. Assist with internal and external quality and accreditation audits. The lab is accredited to ISO 17025 and includes accreditation to ACI, ASTM and ICC-ES standards and criteria. Some programming of test equipment control systems and developing work instructions for new test procedures. (10%)

Responsible for test lab organization, upkeep, and safety. (10%)

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

If you can do everything listed above, you've got what it takes. Perhaps some of the following would be helpful too:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required.

• 3+ years experience product testing and/or related experience in Construction industry related to carpentry, welding, and/or concrete work.

• Experience programming and running MTS, Instron or similar test equipment desired. Skills in logic based or branch programing is a plus.

• Technologically savvy - ability to learn, navigate and master new applications and software.

• Computer Skills: Ability to use Microsoft software; Outlook, Work, and Excel. Experience programming and using MTS Test Suite desired.

• Mathematical Reasoning: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

• Measurements: Ability to read a tape measure to 1/32" tolerance, to use a digital caliper.

• Light carpentry skills a plus, but not required.

• Welding skills a plus, but not required.

• Forklift driving certification or experience a plus, but not required.

• Listening: Ability to ask clarifying questions to prompt more detailed information.

• Reading Comprehension: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

• Attention to Detail: Ability to monitor and review work for accuracy, completeness and possess strong organizational skills.

• Teamwork: Coordinates one's work and performance with that of others to achieve mutual outcomes. Ability to build and sustain cooperative working relationships.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to work well with hand and power tools and powered industrial equipment. Capable of using drills, saws and other common construction tools.

• Accountability and Dependability: Ability to meet productivity standards, deadlines, and work schedules.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, see, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit.

This role operates large equipment while standing for approximately 8-12 hours, regularly twisting and bending in a repetitive motion. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and heavier weights with proper equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job may risk exposure to heat and/or cold, loud noise levels, vibration, and moving mechanical parts.

Travel

This job does not require travel.

Work Status & Location

This full-time, non-exempt position is located in West Chicago, IL.

Relocation

Relocation is not available for this position.

PAY

$23.37 - $29.23 / Hour

REWARDS AT SIMPSON STRONG-TIE

We recognize and reward employees with a carefully designed and comprehensive rewards package, including competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses or commission and first-rate benefits. May exclude some positions, such as seasonal jobs.

• Quarterly Bonuses/Commission: You will be eligible for either a bonus or commission, paid on a quarterly basis. We believe all employees affect customers, sales and revenue - directly or indirectly - and should be rewarded by sharing the company profits.

• Benefits: We provide a wide range of benefits for eligible full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, employee stock purchase and bonus plans, pay for holidays, vacation, sick days, funerals and jury duty, years of service awards, employee discounts, employee referral bonuses, charitable contribution matching, education reimbursement and more. View benefit plan details here: https://benefits.strongtie.com/.

In keeping with the Company's commitment to the communities in which it does business, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that to the fullest extent required by local law, employment decisions are based on merit and business needs and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender (which state law may define to include gender identity/expression, transgender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, and gender stereotyping), sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, covered marital status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful background investigation and drug test. Simpson Strong-Tie's drug policy is based upon Federal Law, and therefore will screen applicants for amphetamines, including methamphetamines, cocaine, phencyclidine, opiates, and marijuana. Where applicable, drug testing for marijuana may be modified to conform with state and local laws.

#NowHiring #GetHired #Hiring #HiringNow