Laboratory Technician

Company: Westlake Chemical
Location: Longview
Posted on: August 4, 2022

Job Description:

SUMMARYThis position is responsible for operating laboratory equipment in a safe and effective manner while following standard Westlake, ASTM, ISO and other test methods and procedures to conduct tests on plastic resins and fabricated plastic products.This position will advance through the job progression system and eventually achieve the status of a 48-Month Technician. Work under the general supervision of department level supervision and the direct supervision of the Supervisor, Applications Lab or technical personnel to which they are assigned.General areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, operating polymer extrusion and blending equipment, performing routine analyses and tests related to developmental products and/or the raw materials which make up the products.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESMay include, but are not limited to, the following:Operate various extrusion lines in conjunction with the job requestor to evaluate polymer characteristics and create samples for end use testing. Accurate recording of process variables, test results and sample identification are critical work habits for effective experiments.
Assist and participate in:Maintaining inventory of consumable supplies
Cleaning Lab and performing routine maintenance.
Troubleshooting lab equipment malfunctions.
Entering job requests into tracking system
Conducting end use testing


Perform duties in a manner that protects the health, safety and environment by:Promptly reporting incidents or issues to management
Attending Monthly Safety meetings and actively participate in Safety initiatives wearing required PPE
Performing Lockout-Tagout on equipment when required
Maintaining a clean and safe working environment


Work well with coworkers and supervision to effectively accomplish Westlake goals. Displays enthusiasm, teamwork, and a desire for life-long learning and skill improvement.

Learn to function as primary operator on 3 out of 6 major pieces of equipment and as assistant on all other machinery.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS Minimum QualificationsHigh school diploma or the equivalent (GED) and;
Two years ofexperience in polymer laboratory work ora two-year technical degree.

Desired QualificationsBachelor's Degree in a technical field preferred.
Possess a fundamental working knowledge of the manufacture, testing, analytical and application processes for polyolefin resins.

PHYSICAL DEMANDSThis job is performed mainly in the Application and Development Lab; physical presence is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; have full use and range of motion of arms, hands and fingers to reach, grasp, hold, push or pull, twist, and work with tools; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to perform tasks that may require bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lying down or working from elevated platforms. The employee must be able to move safely over uneven terrain. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to see details of objects that are more/less than a few feet away; see differences between colors, shades and brightness and determine the distance between objects. This job requires response to audible emergency alarms inside of the plant. Employee must be able to evacuate when required.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe employee must be able to work in a normal factory environment, including enclosed spaces and exposure to various hazards. The working conditions are primarily indoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Required PPE including safety glasses, steel-toed shoes or boots, hearing protection, flame retardant clothing, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require use of stairs, ladders, barrel ladders and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

Keywords: Westlake Chemical, Longview , Laboratory Technician, Healthcare , Longview, Texas