Laboratory Technician I - CPVC

Why Work at Kaneka North America?
At Kaneka North America, you’ll find more than just a job—you’ll find a place to build a career. We offer a people‑first, safety‑focused environment where employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute. Whether you’re early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll have the chance to do meaningful work, collaborate across teams, and support products and industries that make a difference every day. Your contributions are valued, and your development is supported.

Our Culture & Values
Our culture is built on respect, teamwork, and doing things the right way. We believe people do their best work when they feel supported, trusted, and empowered to speak up and share ideas. Safety, integrity & trust, quality, and innovation guide everything we do, and we invest in our employees through continuous learning, collaboration, and opportunities for growth. At Kaneka North America, you’re encouraged to take ownership of your work, grow your skills, and build a long‑term career in an environment that values both accountability and people.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Get job assignments from CPVC Technical Team.
• Follow all safety procedures and all company and department policies and procedures.
• Assist with team activities, attend monthly safety meetings and any other scheduled meetings, and perform other duties and requests as assigned by Supervisor.
• Communicate with Technical Director for day-to-day job activities including overtime and vacations..
• Perform work utilizing the following equipment/processes.
  • CPVC compound blending including high-intensity
  • Brabender (Fusion, Dynamic Thermal Stability,..)
  • Extrusion
  • Injection Molding
  • Roll Mill
  • Compression Press
  • CNC machine
  • Rheology (Capillary rheometer, Melt Flow,..)
  • Physical property testing(i.e. Izod impact, Gardner/Drop Dart, Tensile, Flexural, and other related tests)
  • Thermal property testing (HDT and Vicat)
  • Sample preparation and shipping to customers and agencies
  • Cell Class (ASTM D1784) for Regulatory compliance
  • Perform powder testing (ASG, foreign materials, etc.)
  • Evaluate transparency, haze, color and yellow index on colorimeter.
  • Develop familiarity with Analytical property testing (i.e. DSC, TGA, DMA, FTIR, XRF, EDS and Microscope)
  • Develop familiarity with the operation of LTHS pipe testing equipment
• Prepare test reports with compilation of test results, analysis, and observations.
• Maintain records of testing associated with projects.
• Assist in customer complaint investigation and resolution.
• Review and adhere to relevant ASTM Standards.
• Develop an understanding of cause-and-effect relationship between resin, additives, and test results.
• Ideas to improve consistency of test results.
• Provide assistance to Modifier Lab personnel in the event of CPVC request downtime
• Perform housekeeping duties and assignments to maintain a clean and safe working environment in all areas of the MBS QC Lab.
• Complete and update reports, logs, etc. to ensure that product and standards are within required specifications, and laboratory equipment is operated and maintained properly, with any and all problems clearly communicated to laboratory personnel, and Supervisor.
• Maintain quality standards and specifications of finished product through daily inspection and product analysis.
• Ensure that product classification and testing paperwork is completed properly and clearly
• Inspect and maintain all Lab. equipment in coordination with QC Lab. Supervisor.
• Perform housekeeping duties and assignments to maintain a clean and safe working environment in all areas of the MBS QC Lab.
• Must demonstrate the following emotional intelligence skills:
  • Emotional Empathy
  • Positive Attitude
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Flexibility / Adaptability
  • Interpersonal Skills.