R&D Technician at UFP Industries

Selma, Alabama, United States

UFP Industries Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Building Materials, ManufacturingIndustries

Requirements

  • Minimum of 5 years relevant experience, or an Associate/Bachelor degree in engineering, applied or physical sciences
  • High degree of initiative and resilience to challenges
  • Self-driven to meet project goals in a timely manner
  • Work under minimal supervision with project priorities in mind
  • Take ownership of the trial line to plan and execute trials efficiently
  • Assume accountability for assigned tasks and staying on schedule
  • Be flexible to adapt to changing work environment and priorities
  • Be willing to take more responsibilities as the job requires and evolves
  • Excellent mechanical and analytical aptitude
  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership
  • Sense of urgency and accountability
  • Proactive communication
  • Preferred: Extrusion or testing experience in extruded building products industry
  • Preferred: Working knowledge of polymer processing analysis, testing and equipment
  • Preferred: Demonstrated ability to analyze and report data, including testing equipment troubleshooting
  • Preferred: Understands lab scale processes and technologies for extrusion and composite building products
  • Work schedule: Weekday daytime, some flexibility on working hours expected

Responsibilities

  • Assist in expanding non-destructive testing capabilities of composite building materials
  • Conduct testing on product properties including standard QC tests as well as specialized non-QC tests
  • Develop in depth understanding of equipment and processes, troubleshooting and addressing issues
  • Assist in a phase or key part of a project by analyzing processes, products, or equipment against desired results, including formulation characterization and process optimization
  • Utilize pilot, lab scale, and production scale extrusion equipment to generate and process prototypes for further testing
  • Conduct experiments to improve upon or duplicate various materials and processes
  • Recommend improvements to R&D instrumentation, equipment, and lab procedures based on results analyzed
  • Assist in all trial runs, field evaluations, and analysis of customer requirements for a project
  • Assist in code qualification trials and testing
  • Present meaningful results and unbiased conclusions to R&D and other technical functions
  • Assist in other functions of the R&D and engineering functions as directed
  • Work closely with the R&D staff to accelerate Product Development Cycle and New Product Introduction

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

ExtrusionPolymer ProcessingNon-Destructive TestingQC TestingComposite MaterialsProduct TestingProcess OptimizationTroubleshootingFormulation CharacterizationLab Scale ExtrusionPilot Scale Extrusion

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the work schedule for this R&D Technician position?

The work schedule is weekday daytime, with some flexibility on working hours expected.

What experience is required for the R&D Technician role?

A minimum of 5 years relevant experience is required, or an Associate/Bachelor degree in engineering, applied or physical sciences.

What are the preferred skills for this position?

Preferred skills include extrusion or testing experience in extruded building products industry, working knowledge of polymer processing analysis, testing and equipment, demonstrated ability to analyze and report data, excellent mechanical and analytical aptitude, and proactive communication.

What kind of work environment or qualities are expected in this role?

The role requires a high degree of initiative and resilience to challenges, working under minimal supervision, taking ownership of tasks, being self-driven to meet project goals, and adapting to changing priorities.

What makes a strong candidate for this R&D Technician position?

Strong candidates demonstrate the ability to take ownership, a sense of urgency and accountability, proactive communication, and mechanical and analytical aptitude, along with relevant experience in extrusion or polymer processing.

UFP Industries

Manufactures and distributes construction and packaging products

About UFP Industries

UFP Industries operates as a diversified holding company with several subsidiaries, including UFP Packaging, UFP Construction, and UFP Retail Solutions. The company manufactures, distributes, and sells a wide range of products for various markets, including residential and commercial construction, packaging, and industrial sectors. Its products are tailored to meet the specific needs of clients across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. UFP Industries stands out from its competitors by leveraging its extensive operational footprint and expertise to serve a diverse clientele, ensuring consistent revenue from multiple geographic regions and industry segments. The company's goal is to effectively meet the diverse needs of its customers while maintaining a steady income stream.

Muscle Shoals, AlabamaHeadquarters
1955Year Founded
IPOCompany Stage
Industrial & Manufacturing, Consumer GoodsIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Risks

Rising lumber costs could impact UFP's profit margins.
Construction slowdown due to high interest rates may reduce UFP's revenue.
Stricter European environmental regulations could increase UFP's compliance costs.

Differentiation

UFP Industries operates globally, serving diverse sectors like construction and packaging.
The company leverages a broad operational footprint to meet varied client needs.
Recent acquisitions, like C&L Wood Products, expand UFP's market reach and capabilities.

Upsides

Growing demand for sustainable packaging boosts UFP's eco-friendly product development.
E-commerce growth increases demand for UFP's packaging solutions.
Urbanization trends drive demand for UFP's residential and commercial construction products.

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