R&D Materials Technician

The R&D Materials Technician (Engineering Track) is responsible for supporting the development, testing, and optimization of thermoplastic materials used in the manufacture of various high-precision parts. This role involves hands-on work in lab and pilot-scale environments to evaluate new formulations, assist in scale-up efforts, and conduct property testing under the guidance of R&D Materials leadership. The individual selected for this role will be a hard charger who thrives on execution, follows through on commitments, and is passionate about growing within the department.

About RMB: RMB Products is a leader in advanced thermoplastic manufacturing, including rotational molding, additive manufacturing, and custom fabrication. We support aerospace, chemical processing, and industrial customers with high-performance polymer solutions. RMB fosters a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement, and pride in delivering complex, high-value products.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position includes the following essential functions but is not limited to them. Additional duties may be assigned:

• Prepare and perform R&D runs on operations equipment to ensure timely completion, provide intervention/course correction when processes go awry, evaluate parts, relay results, and clean up after completion.
• Assist and/or run plastics processing equipment, including but not limited to rotational molding machines, twin screw extruders, grinding mills, sifters, and blenders.
• Contribute and assist the development of innovative new polymer products and applications with ideas, concepts, collaboration, and intellectual properties.
• Collaborate with customers and vendors as needed to support R&D efforts by defining requirements, co-developing solutions, and validating product performance.
• Gather, analyze, and translate complex data into meaningful and clear technical reports, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations for product and business decisions.
• Conduct materials laboratory operations (MFI, DSC, PSD, FTIR, TGA, tensile, flammability), ensuring work is performed safely, accurately, and promptly, including performing testing, writing work instructions/test methods/standard operating procedures/policy and training guidelines.
• Change priorities quickly and efficiently, remaining nimble as business and department needs change.
• Create part numbers, work orders, purchase orders, etc. as needed to support the department

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Critical thinking, technical writing, attention to detail, teamwork, persistence
• Internship(s) preferred, plastics processing and/or manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• Experience supporting or coordinating project-based work, including planning, task execution, and navigating a fast-moving environment preferred
• Laboratory experience strongly preferred
• Exposure to chemical regulatory affairs, compliance, or documentation processes is a plus
• Requires both verbal and written communication skills in the English language
• Must maintain the confidentiality of all projects, customers, and techniques of RMB Products
• This role is on-site and requires 5 days per week on-site

EDUCATION & JOB HISTORY REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates with thermoplastic processing experience and/or polymer science education strongly preferred
• Engineering experience and/or manufacturing experience would be considered
• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science or related fields, or n/a Certificate strongly preferred. 3 years' experience may be considered in lieu of degree or certification
• Candidates with an Associates Degree in Engineering, Material Science, or Polymer Science would also be considered

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires prolonged periods of standing and/or walking
• Requires ability to bend, stoop, and kneel
• Must be able to work in noisy and/or dusty environments
• Must be able to wear a mask/respirator when necessary

Benefits:

At RMB Products, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

RMB Products is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a "U.S. person" as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.