R&D Technician (Cambridge)

Position Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented R&D; Technician – Plastics to support research and product development activities in a structured ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) environment. This role is responsible for material testing, compounding, extrusion trials, and accurate documentation to ensure development of high-quality, production-ready plastic materials. We are looking for someone to grow with the position. Key Responsibilities - Test and evaluate incoming plastic raw materials, including resins, additives, fillers, and modifiers in accordance with ISO 9001 procedures and specifications. - Verify, document, and maintain material acceptance records, ensuring proper identification and traceability. - Maintain accurate inventory records for all R&D; materials in compliance with document control requirements. - Label, store, and catalog laboratory, pilot, and production samples to ensure full traceability throughout development cycles. - Perform laboratory and pilot-scale mixing, compounding, and extrusion trials for new product development. - Conduct physical, mechanical, and thermal testing (e.g., tensile, impact, flexural) under controlled conditions. - Record all processing parameters, results, deviations, and observations using approved QMS documentation systems. - Support and oversee R&D; trials on production equipment, ensuring adherence to process controls and quality standards. - Analyze and report on production-scale trial results to assess process capability and product performance. - Execute Design of Experiments (DOE) based on structured experimental plans. - Prepare, label, and submit samples for external testing while maintaining full chain-of-custody documentation. - Collaborate with engineers and chemists on formulation development and optimization for regulatory-compliant materials. - Participate in internal and external ISO 9001 audits by providing technical data and documentation. - Contribute to corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), continuous improvement, and change management processes. - Adhere to all safety, housekeeping, and quality standards. Required Qualifications - Diploma or Associate Degree in: - - Plastics Technology - Polymer Science - Materials Science - Chemical Engineering Technology - Or a related technical field OR 1–3 years of relevant experience in a plastics R&D;, quality, or manufacturing environment (internships/co-ops considered). - Hands-on experience with plastics processing methods such as: - - Extrusion - Compounding - Mixing - Molding - Familiarity with plastics testing methods, including: - - Tensile, flexural, and impact testing - Melt Flow Index (MFI) - Moisture analysis - Experience working within an ISO 9001-certified setting, including: - - Documentation control - Traceability - Adherence to standardized procedures Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2pb1lo