Step Into the Lab
In Corona, CA, your day begins where macromolecular chemistry meets real-world manufacturing. You pull a development ticket: a high-temp hose compound for a military cooling system. You review prior trials, tweak the ratio of fillers and crosslinkers, and head to the mixer. By mid-morning, tensile and hardness coupons are curing; you calibrate the rheometer, prep FTIR scans, and verify viscosity against internal and customer specs. After lunch, you walk the production floor to troubleshoot a mixing inconsistency, adjust process parameters, and document a corrective action. Before heading out, you update SOPs, log results in our ERP/LIMS, and tag materials in inventory to keep SDS and regulatory files current. It’s hands-on chemistry with immediate impact.
About the Company
We are a world-class manufacturer of high-performance silicone and EPDM hose products serving heavy-duty truck, bus, coach, marine, military, construction equipment, and industrial markets. From fabric braiding to molding, extrusion, and final assembly, we operate a vertically integrated plant and formulate our own elastomers in-house. Our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications reflect a commitment to precision and continuous innovation—and we empower engineers and scientists to own their craft.
What You Will Do
- Formulate, mix, and evaluate silicone and EPDM elastomer compounds for both production runs and R&D programs.
- Execute lab testing on raw materials, in-process batches, and finished goods to verify compliance with internal and customer specifications.
- Create, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures and test methods.
- Diagnose formulation and processing issues on the production floor and recommend data-driven corrections.
- Advance new product development through literature reviews, trial design, and rigorous documentation of results.
- Partner with Quality to uphold ISO requirements and customer standards.
- Record and report data accurately in lab management or ERP systems.
- Help manage chemical inventory, SDS, and regulatory documentation.
- Keep the lab safe and organized in line with OSHA and company safety practices.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master’s a plus).
- 2+ years in polymer chemistry, elastomer compounding, rubber chemistry, or similar manufacturing setting preferred.
- Hands-on familiarity with silicone or EPDM is highly valued.
- Experience operating rheometers, tensile and hardness testers, and FTIR.
- Working knowledge of quality control methods and documentation discipline.
- Sharp attention to detail; able to prioritize in a fast-paced production environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ERP or LIMS experience is a plus.
- Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $65,000 - $90,000 per year, depending on experience.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Clear paths for growth within a vertically integrated, expanding operation.