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 environment , including:

Documentation control

Traceability

Adherence to standardized procedures

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