Position Summary

PURPOSE & SCOPE:

The Lab Production Technician performs the hands-on day-to-day operation of R&D pilot spinning machines for the production of filtration media and assists in development of practical and innovative new products and technologies that are aligned with Parker’s business objectives.  Forcespinning is a novel technology for manufacturing nanofiber-based membranes at high throughput, with numerous potential applications in our product lines.  In this role, you will be responsible for operating the line, which includes preparing polymeric solutions using chemical solvents, operating the machine to obtain nonwoven fabric rolls, and conducting sample analysis.  The role is based in Columbia, Tennessee.

The Lab Production Technician will work with the Lead Lab Technician on the production floor to ensure on-time delivery. The person in this role works within defined parameters to make decisions, apply concepts to issues of moderate complexity, and resolve issues through immediate action.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate the Forcespinning line with in-line laminating machine, including but not limited to daily production, assemble/disassemble spinnerets, prepare polymer solution using chemical solvents, perform quality checks/tests, load/unload media rolls, pack, palletize, label, wrap, etc.
• Unload trucks, verifying materials & product labeling, Oracle entry, warehouse storage.
• Needs to be flexible to run the production line any shift of the day and weekends, as well as ability to work outside regular shift hours to set up the line.
• Assist in analyzing and testing the sample materials.
• Prepare tabulation and summary of findings and test data.
• Maintain neat, orderly and professional looking lab and office space.
• Perform general equipment preventive maintenance (PM) of the line, including assisting the Maintenance Department personnel where required for the more extensive PM tasks.
• Assure adherence of all safety and quality policies, practices and procedures. Participate in making safety, quality and productivity improvements.
• Communicate technical, quality and production feedback to cell team members.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED:                          

• Basic computer skills with MS Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Basic mechanical skills to run and maintain the production equipment.
• Excellent oral communication, Time management skills, and Attention to details.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to coordinate tasks closely with cell team members.
• Good attendance history.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree is desired.
• Minimum 3 years of successful production experience.
• Prior experience working in a R&D pilot plant setting is desired.
• Experience working with polymeric solutions and chemical solvents is desired.
• Extensive experiences in following detailed procedures.

Physical/Environmental

• Manual dexterity to handle items and perceive attributes of objects.
• Able to stand while working on the line.
• Able to lift 40lbs, and maneuver inbound and outbound rolls of fabric using appropriate and safe methods.
• Mechanically inclined with proven ability to make minor tweaks and repairs of machine components.

Language Skills

• Able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical procedures (such as ASTM standards).  Able to articulate results (numerical as well as observations) of laboratory tests in a succinct & logical manner.

Mathematical Skills

• Able to calculate figures and amounts such as area, length, and volume. Able to calculate and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

• Able to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form & deal with nonverbal symbolism, i.e. graphs, formulas & scientific equations.

Computer Operations

• Possess intermediate personal computer skills including electronic mail, routine database activity, word processing and spreadsheets.  Proficient in Excel to create a spreadsheet from data collected & perform calculations within Excel, i.e.  average (mean) and standard deviation.

Planning/Organization

• Capable of planning and executing multiple pilot line runs and projects simultaneously.

Laboratory Skills

• Ability to operate Air Permeability Tester, TSI 8360 filter media tester, Gurley Stiffness tester, as well as other lab instruments.  

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Laboratory and production environment.
• Minimal travel to other sites as required.

Parker Hannifin

Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For more than a century the company has been enabling engineering breakthroughs that lead to a better tomorrow. Learn more at www.parker.com or parkerhannifin.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.  However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency or other appropriate status is required for certain positions, in accord with U.S. import & export regulations.(“Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor”)

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov).