Title:  Materials R & D Technician

Location: Riverside, CA
Reports To: Advanced Materials Manager
Department: Materials Research
Hiring Range: $63,416 - $72,500 annually | $30.49 - $34.86 per hour

Build, Test, and Support What Comes Next

Bourns is seeking a hands-on Materials R & D Technician to support laboratory testing, material development, and production activities at our Riverside, CA facility. This opportunity is well suited for someone who enjoys working closely with engineers, operating technical equipment, and helping move new material concepts from development into production.

Summary of Position

Conducts a variety of laboratory and materials tests related to the design, production, performance, quality, or failure of Company products (CP inks, Cermet inks, Epoxies, Lubes, and other subassembly materials). Prepares and mixes materials, operates test equipment, and records data to evaluate product performance and consistency. Fabricates models or prototypes of test equipment as required, compiles test data, writes reports, and prepares sketches or drawings as needed. Performs related laboratory duties as directed or as tasks demand. Functions as the engineer’s “hands” in the lab to physically convert designs from paper into tested working models that support new CP, Cermet ink, and epoxy system development. Guides and supports the work of assigned personnel engaged in production support activities. Provides hands on support to production and engineering teams during product testing and process improvements.

Basic Job Requirements

Education: High school diploma plus two years of college in the appropriate science or engineering-oriented program, or equivalent education, training or work experience.

Training and Experience: Two years of experience in material processing or manufacturing environment. Good knowledge of lean manufacturing practices and other production software (SAP, etc.).

Other Skills: Must be able to read and understand experimental drawings, schematics and sketches for new products, tools and equipment. Possess the ability to extract data from documentation and provide feedback when changes are necessary. Must be able to operate test equipment such as power supplies, digital voltmeters, calculators, soldering and de-soldering equipment and assorted hand tools.

Duties and Accountabilities

1. Consults with engineers, product designers and other personnel in testing a new product or in changing an existing one; advises engineers as to anticipated design or production problems.
2. Assist training with peers and other members of the facility on processes for which he is responsible, with direction of Management.
3. Support material scale up projects from concept to successful production implementation in timely manner.
4. Maintains thorough records of test procedures, results, and recommendations.
5. Schedules, oversees, coordinates and personally performs activities in preparation of all CPs, Cermets, Epoxies, Lubes and Subassemblies.
6. Assist developing and optimizing computer programs in order to collect and reproduce test data. Utilizes the latest production software (SAP, etc.) to automate the routine production related paperwork and other functions that can be improved by such technology.
7. Support repairing, maintaining and installing research and/or prototype lab equipment, and obtains parts and simple tooling as required. Establishes a detailed Maintenance program for all the equipment used in engineering area.
8. Assist mentoring, training and developing other personnel in the department ensuring appropriate performance and understanding of principles.
9. Keeps abreast of new developments in all materials research related issues. Assist generating assembly or process instructions on new or re-designed products.

Interpersonal Skills

Requires a high degree of adaptability, ingenuity and resourcefulness. Good electrical mechanical aptitude. May be involved with providing support and guidance to technical personnel, plants as well as mid/senior level management.

Communications

Oral: Must possess excellent verbal communications, effectively leading the training of technical personnel and interfacing with all levels of management.

Written: Ability to prepare memos, reports and other necessary documentations.

Scheduling and Planning

Schedules and plans own workload in conjunction with stated objectives and goals.

Equipment Operated

Various measuring devices such as toolmaker’s microscopes, scales, etc. Various test equipment such as viscosity meters, dektak, oscilloscopes, etc. Various fabrication equipment such as thick film printers, 3-roll mills, small mills, lathes, mixers, etc. Various computers and programmable computerized equipment.

Physical Effort

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Working Environment

A variety of working conditions both in and out of the Shop, Office, and/or Factory Environment. Equipment hazards are controllable with proper safety procedures.

Additional Information

This job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required.