Research Lab Manager Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

AstenJohnson is the leader in technical fabrics. Our drive to provide the best products and service in our industry is fueled by our associates and their drive to innovate. We want our associates to build careers here and become part of the fabric of our 230 year old company. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits and a workplace built on respect and purpose.
What You'll Be Part Of:
Join AstenJohnson's Technical Services Team and be part of an organization that values safety, quality, innovation, accuracy, and collaboration. As an R&D Technician I, you will provide hands-on technical support for production, quality assurance, product development, material qualification, testing, and site ISO-related activities.
This role supports both day-to-day technical testing and longer-term product and process development efforts. The R&D Technician I will work closely with the R&D/Process Engineer and other cross-functional team members to support trials, analyze materials, document results, and help improve products for internal and external customers.
Position Details:
Location: Williston, VT
Job Type: Full-time, salaried non-exempt
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This role may also provide occasional off-hours support for trials, projects, testing, or production-related needs, as required.
Salary Range: $62,400 to $70,720 annually, equivalent to $30.00 to $34.00 per hour, depending on education, experience, and qualifications. This position is salaried non-exempt and is eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable law.
General Scope of Responsibilities:
Provide technical support and perform routine and non-routine testing to support production, new product development, product modification, material qualification, and quality system requirements. Work closely with the R&D/Process Engineer to improve products for internal and external customers by running trials to make monofilament using different polymers and blends. Help test and analyze competitive materials as needed for market intelligence.
This position will also support site ISO responsibilities, including documentation, audit preparation, recordkeeping, and coordination of ISO-related activities. Prior ISO experience is helpful but not required; however, the successful candidate must be willing to learn and perform this function as part of the role.
Specific Responsibilities:
• Support Filaments production and quality assurance by performing routine and non-routine testing; assist in troubleshooting and data analysis.
• Prepare and test materials according to existing methods, including chemical, physical, and optical testing, for material characterization and product properties.
• Collate test samples, data, and record results. Document results reporting with basic statistics including tables, graphs, photos, and written reports.
• Maintain calibration, operation, and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment according to procedures and manufacturers' requirements.
• Work with the R&D Engineer and procurement to assist in qualification of new raw materials and incoming audit testing for quality control of existing raw materials.
• Assist in running the Pilot Line and producing product samples.
• Assist in developing new tests and test procedures and implementation of those tests into standard quality testing as needed.
• Support site ISO responsibilities, including maintaining and organizing ISO-related documentation, assisting with internal and external audit preparation, supporting follow-up activities, and helping ensure required records are complete and current.
• Learn and apply ISO requirements relevant to the Williston site and partner with site leadership, quality, production, and other team members to support ongoing compliance.
• Provide occasional off-hours support for trials, projects, testing, or production-related needs, as required.
• Perform other responsibilities related to job duties as assigned.
• Proactively follow all health and safety policies and participate actively in ongoing safety improvement efforts.
• Help foster a work environment that advocates ethics, respect, and diversity.
Knowledge / Education / Experience:
• Minimum High School Diploma with 5 years of experience or Associate Degree with 2-4 years of experience.
• Knowledge of processing thermoplastic polymer materials and understanding of filament or continuous manufacturing processes, such as extrusion, is required.
• Basic knowledge and experience in analytical testing of filaments, fibers, and polymers is desirable.
• Lean and Six Sigma certification or experience is desirable.
• ISO experience or familiarity with quality management systems is desirable but not required. Candidate must be willing to learn and support ISO-related responsibilities for the site.
Required Skills:
• Strong technical and analytical skills; ability to recommend data-driven solutions to technical problems.
• Self-starter; highly motivated to deliver results and drive continuous improvement.
• Positive attitude and eagerness to learn.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task; strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and records.
• Willingness to learn ISO requirements and support site compliance activities.
• Flexibility to occasionally work outside of normal business hours to support trials, project timelines, testing, or production needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively, creatively, and flexibly within interdisciplinary teams as well as with customers and suppliers as needed to deliver exceptional results.
• Practical hands-on aptitude in a technical environment.
• Strong verbal, written, and technical communication skills.
Why You'll Love Working Here:
• Medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision plans
• Basic life insurance and AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
• Wellness Programs
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Holidays and Vacation Pay
Our Commitment to You:
AstenJohnson is committed to equal employment opportunity. Promotions and transfers are made without regard to age, race, color, sex, religion, handicap, veteran status, or national origin. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
We are an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.