Lab Material Technologist

Delta Systems & Automation LLC is currently seeking a Lab Material Technologist to join our team.

In this role, you will report to the Engineering Manager and work closely with multiple departments, including sales, engineering, operations, and customer service to provide local analytical, test and problem-solving expertise on packaging materials, their properties, features and interactions with vertical and horizontal flow wrapping machines produced by our company.

Responsibilities:

• Build up a new packaging and technological lab dedicated to the study and measurements of packaging materials properties following the guidelines of the Group Lab Materials Manager and previous experiences made on others Openlab sites.
•   Deal with calibration, maintenance and all group internal SOP’s in order to continually improve the lab analytical systems performance and reliability in alignment with other Openlab sites
• Conduct a complete mapping of technical features of packaging materials used on machines produced by our group and utilized by our customers so to build up a database concerning packaging composition, machine performances, machine equipment/solutions adopted.
•  Proactively identifying problems and assisting in creating and implementing solutions on all troubles related with standard and new and more environmentally sustainable packaging materials, teaming with cross-functional partners including other Openlab Material Technologists, Product Management, Marketing, Sales, Engineering, R&D, Operations etc.
• Serve as the local analytical focal point to collect information on packaging evolution in USA market (especially if connected to environmental sustainability matters) and report periodically to the Group Lab Materials Manager.
•   Working independently with the guidance of the Group Lab Materials Manager, recording and reporting periodically to him in an accurate way all data and activity outcomes

Educational Qualifications Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or material engineering field; or combination of education and experience.

Skill, Abilities and Knowledge:

• Two or more years of laboratory analytical experience in the field of packaging materials with direct responsibility on operation, calibration and maintenance of lab equipment
• Understanding of polymer/packaging characterization measurements, data interpretation using DSC, FTIR, Microscopy and Tensile and frictional analysis
• Understanding of polymer/packaging structure and property relationship
• Perform large volume of routine tests independently in the laboratory utilizing lab instruments/equipment as well as being able to establish new analytical approach when necessary
• Ability to use an organized and methodical approach to collect and keep data, records, test results and issuing technical reports towards customers or the Openlab team
• Effectively interacts and communicate with multiple functions and diverse individuals to achieve goals
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Able to work independently with a minimal external supervision
• High level of initiative
• Experience with execution and maintenance of laboratory quality systems (Statistical Quality Control, ISO 9000, etc.).
• Strong multi-tasking, problem solving and time management skills.
• Able to read and comprehend company procedures, packaging specifications and drawings, industry test methods, government regulations, technical journals and scientific literature.
• Able to interpret and define test requirements from individuals who are not packaging experts.
• Able to seek out information from external sources in order to expand knowledge base.
• Assist in the investigation of, response to, and follow-up of internal or client inquiries

Equipment & Instrument Experience:

• Experience measuring chemical and mechanical properties for material verification, selection, or to identify problems such as contamination, design faults, molding issues, stress overload, service conditions, or end user abuse utilizing:
  • Heat Seal Strength Testing  
  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) 
  • Optical Microscopy
  • FTIR Spectroscopy
  • Dynamometer for tensile strength, friction, tearing strength, compression, peel and puncture
  • Digital gauges for thickness measurements
  • Computers and other small standard lab equipment

This is a full-time position based out of our facility in Lowell, Arkansas. Salary will be commensurate based on qualifications, experience, and existing skill set.

Delta Systems & Automation LLC designs and builds automated turnkey packaging machinery systems for the food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and household products industries. Offering custom design engineering allows Delta Systems to provide wrapping systems that meet specific customer and application requirements. Delta Systems has comprehensive experience and expertise, from concept to installation, to deliver customers a world-class solution for unique flow-wrapping applications.

Delta Systems & Automation LLC is part of the Italian-based IMA Group, a world leader in the design and manufacture of automatic machines for the processing and packaging of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tea, coffee, and food, with more than 6,000 employees in 53 manufacturing sites and a presence in more than 80 countries.