What are the responsibilities and job description for the Materials Lab Chemist position at OESL-Automotive?
Job Description
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
As a Materials Lab Chemist, you will support materials, products, and engineering activities through laboratory testing and characterization of rubber, plastic, and related material systems. You will work as a member of the Materials Laboratory team with primary responsibilities focused on generating high-quality physical property data, expanding laboratory testing capabilities, developing new test methods, and providing meaningful technical analysis that supports material development activities. Success in this role requires more than executing established procedures. We are seeking an individual who demonstrates technical curiosity, strong laboratory technique, independent problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Additional Ways To Stand Out
In this role you will:
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
As a Materials Lab Chemist, you will support materials, products, and engineering activities through laboratory testing and characterization of rubber, plastic, and related material systems. You will work as a member of the Materials Laboratory team with primary responsibilities focused on generating high-quality physical property data, expanding laboratory testing capabilities, developing new test methods, and providing meaningful technical analysis that supports material development activities. Success in this role requires more than executing established procedures. We are seeking an individual who demonstrates technical curiosity, strong laboratory technique, independent problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Additional Ways To Stand Out
- Experience with elastomeric materials, including rubber compounds, plastics, thermoplastics, thermosets, and reinforced materials.
- Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, SAE, DIN, or other industry test standards.
- Exposure to wet chemisty techniques and various testing fluids (acids, bases, fuels, refrigerants)
- 3-5 years of relevant lab experience
In this role you will:
- Perform physical testing of elastomeric, polymeric, and related materials in accordance with internal and industry test standards.
- Operate and maintain laboratory test equipment, including Universal Testing Machines (UTM), compression set fixtures, and other physical-property evaluation equipment.
- Develop, validate, and implement new laboratory test methods to support emerging customer and business needs.
- Analyze and interpret test data, preparing clear technical reports and recommendations.
- Participate in cross-training activities to support multiple testing disciplines within the laboratory.
- Travel approximately 10–15% for training, supplier visits, and collaboration with domestic and international teams.
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or related technical discipline.
- 1–3 years of experience in a laboratory, testing, research, product development, or quality environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple technical activities simultaneously while adapting to evolving laboratory and customer needs.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and others.
- Proficiency with computer systems and demonstrated ability to learn new software and digital tools quickly.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.