Laboratory Technician

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technician at Day & Zimmermann division plays a crucial role in supporting the company's commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence. This role involves conducting thorough and precise laboratory analyses on a variety of samples, including environmental, quality control, and safety materials. Utilizing advanced analytical instrumentation and methodologies, the technician will contribute to maintaining high standards of product integrity and regulatory compliance. Additionally, this position actively participates in method development and research initiatives designed to enhance testing accuracy, streamline workflow, and improve overall operational efficiency within a dynamic and team-oriented environment.

Located within the Munitions & Government-Texarkana-TX office, this technician role requires a detail-oriented and analytical thinker who thrives in a laboratory setting and upholds rigorous standard operating procedures (SOPs). The successful candidate will be integral in identifying and resolving analytical challenges, ensuring that critical testing processes meet stringent quality and safety requirements essential to the business unit, D&Z Plants, and the broader organization.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed chemical and physical analyses of hazardous and non-hazardous samples derived from production batches, raw materials, and expired products by applying sophisticated techniques such as wet chemistry, use of analytical balances, vacuum ovens, calorimeters, distillation apparatuses, and other specialized laboratory equipment, ensuring adherence to established SOPs and safety protocols (approximately 50% of daily responsibilities).
• Perform scheduled and preventive maintenance on all laboratory instruments and equipment, including calibration and troubleshooting to ensure optimal operational readiness and longevity of tools and testing devices (around 15%).
• Accurately document and communicate all test data, findings, and observations through reports and data management systems, ensuring clarity and accessibility for internal stakeholders and compliance with regulatory requirements (about 15%).
• Collaborate with laboratory team members and research personnel to develop, validate, and refine new analytical methods and procedures that increase testing accuracy and efficiency, referencing current scientific literature and governmental standards (15%).
• Provide technical assistance and share expertise with Chemists across other Company or Government sites as needed, promoting continuity and consistency in laboratory practices (5%).
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in compliance with safety standards, including proper handling and disposal of chemicals and hazardous substances.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and training sessions aimed at enhancing laboratory capabilities and personal professional development.

KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Theoretical and practical knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of analytical chemistry techniques, instrumentation, and their applications within a controlled laboratory setting.
• Regulatory familiarity: Ability to interpret and apply technical procedures, safety standards, and governmental regulations relevant to laboratory operations and hazardous material handling.
• Technical proficiency: Advanced computer literacy, including Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for managing data and reporting.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills: Strong aptitude for defining complex problems, performing data collection, establishing factual bases, and drawing valid conclusions from experimental results.
• Attention to detail: Meticulous in following formulas and SOPs, ensuring accuracy and repeatability in tests and reporting without compromise.
• Communication and teamwork: Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and convey technical information clearly and professionally.
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adopt new methodologies and techniques in line with evolving scientific and industry standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) Required
• Associate’s Degree (AA) n Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field Preferred or
• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field Preferred
• 2+ years Previous experience involving laboratory analysis of materials. Required
• Candidates may be required to satisfy additional job-related requirements, including those established and controlled by third parties, as part of the selection process. Required

Travel Requirements:

• 5% As needed

Compensation and Benefits

Candidates may be required to satisfy additional job-related requirements, including those established and controlled by third parties, as part of the selection process.

In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the wage range for this role is $52,160 - $78,240. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. (The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements).

We care about our employees and it shows. Our staff receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical/Rx, dental and vision coverage; life, AD&D and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; 100% paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks, parental leave, family leave, other paid time off; voluntary benefits and discount programs to meet our employees’ individual needs including pet insurance for our furry family members!