R&D & Quality Support Technician - Intern (Possible Full Time)

This is an internship role, with the possibility of full time employment for the right candidate.

Position Summary

The Quality & R&D Support Technician provides hands-on assistance to the Research & Development and Quality teams at Forza. This role supports lab organization, testing preparation, and product evaluation activities that enable the successful development and quality assurance of adhesives, sealants, and cleaning products. The position requires strong attention to detail, organization, and a willingness to learn in a technical laboratory environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Laboratory Organization and Maintenance (this is an initial project, with parts of it ongoing)

• Assist in reorganizing and maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient laboratory workspace.
• Help with the cleaning, installation, and setup of lab cabinets, shelving, and equipment.
• Identify, label, and catalog raw materials and chemicals in inventory. (ongoing)
• Compile and update SDS (Safety Data Sheet) records for all materials. (ongoing)
• Maintain lab supplies and report when inventory levels are low. (ongoing)

Product Preparation and Testing Support

• Assist R&D staff in preparing small-scale lab batches following written instructions.
• Mix, measure, and handle raw materials for product trials under supervision.
• Prepare test substrates (e.g., metal, plastic, composites) for adhesive and sealant evaluations.
• Apply adhesives, sealants, and tapes to substrates for performance testing.
• Label, record, and organize test samples for evaluation.
• Support the operation of lab instruments and perform simple tests as directed (e.g., viscosity, tack, cure time).

Quality Testing

• Perform quality control testing on incoming raw materials, in-process batches, and finished goods according to established procedures.
• Conduct standardized testing such as viscosity, density, color, cure time, tensile strength, adhesion, and appearance evaluations.
• Record, interpret, and communicate test data accurately in QC records and databases.
• Support the calibration and maintenance of lab testing instruments (e.g., balances, viscometers, tensile testers, ovens).
• Help investigate nonconforming materials and products through data collection, retesting, and root cause support.
• Maintain sample retention inventory and ensure traceability of all tested materials.
• Participate in audits and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen quality processes.

General R&D Assistance

• Support day-to-day project work for the R&D team.
• Assist in the preparation of project reports
• Assist with preparation of technical documents and labels.
• Help manage R&D projects in project management system
• Help with production scale-up trials and the transfer of lab formulas to manufacturing.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support R&D and Quality initiatives.

Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Ensures accurate measurement, labeling, and documentation.
• Organization: Keeps work areas, materials, and records orderly and easy to access.
• Team Collaboration: Works effectively with chemists, technicians, and operations personnel.
• Hands-On Aptitude: Comfortable with basic lab equipment, mixing, and testing.
• Safety Mindset: Adheres to all lab safety, PPE, and chemical handling procedures.
• Willingness to Learn: Demonstrates curiosity and initiative in understanding R&D processes.