R&D Technician

Chicago, IL, United States

Rockfon, part of ROCKWOOL Group, is seeking an R&D Laboratory Technician onsite in our Chicago facility (zip code: 60638) to join our Development Engineering team.

About Rockfon

Rockfon stone wool ceiling tiles and panels are known for their beauty and performance characteristics - acoustic control, fire protection, humidity resistance, durability and light reflection. Our specialty metal ceilings are designed and fabricated to the highest standards. Metal ceiling panels and tiles are a great choice for commercial ceiling tiles and are available in a range of shapes, sizes, and finishes, in standard and custom configurations. Rockfon manufactures and sells ceiling grids and panels in Chicago, IL, and stone wool ceiling tiles in Byhalia, MS, USA and Cigacice, Poland.

Ready to help build a better future for generations to come?

In an ever-changing, fast paced world, we owe it to ourselves and our future generations to live life responsibly. At ROCKWOOL, we work relentlessly to enrich modern living through our innovative stone wool solutions.

Join us and make a difference!

Your Future Team

This role requires collaboration with team members within the Engineering department to align on project objectives and deliverables. Cross-functional relationships are essential, particularly with Quality Assurance and Production, to ensure product specifications are met and to facilitate smooth transition of new products from concept to production. The technician will also engage with external stakeholders, such as test labs, equipment suppliers, and compliance agencies, to maintain lab operations and facilitate external lab testing.

What You Will Be Doing

The R&D Technician is integral to our research and development team, focusing on quality and testing of ceiling system products while managing and maintaining lab areas, mock-up areas, tools, and equipment. This role builds ceiling system mock-ups and conducts tests to ensure Rockfon's ceiling system products meet industry standards. The technician will work with engineers and project managers to create test plans, conduct tests, ensure production quality, and report on findings.

* Product Testing: Perform testing of ceiling system products and materials, documenting and reporting results to inform product development decisions. Testing will include building ceiling mock-ups, strength testing of ceiling systems, and more extensive testing like fire testing and seismic shake table testing.

* Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure products meet industry standards and compliance requirements through testing and evaluation. Proficiency with measurement devices like calipers, micrometers, and digital measurement devices is required.

* Design and Fabrication: Utilize fabrication tools to create and refine product prototypes, build test fixtures, and build ceilings or other mock-ups. Proficiency with hand tools and power tools required. Machine shop knowledge and construction experience a plus.

* Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Maintain and organize lab and mock-up spaces, troubleshoot issues, and ensure a safe and efficient lab environment. Requires a fork truck license in good standing. Knowledge of 5S a plus.

* Safety: Special attention to safety and ensuring all lab visitors adhere to PPE requirements.

* This role will require travel a few times per year

What You Bring

* Associate's Degree and 3 years of experience of experience or 5 years related experience in lieu of degree

* Experience working in construction a plus

* Certified Quality Technician from ASQ or willingness to certify within 1 year

* Strong MS Office skills for writing reports

* Familiarity with statistical analysis tools: metrology, calibration, optical measurement tools, etc.

* Ability to read blueprints a plus

* Ability to work on a ladder, work overhead, and carry up to 50 lbs

* Forklift license

What We Offer

* Competitive Salary

* Generous Benefits - Effective your first day!

* Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision coverage

* Educational Assistance

* 401K Match - up to 6%

* No cost Life and Disability Programs

* Company provided Personal Protective Equipment

* Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

* Fitness reimbursement

* Work-Life Balance

* Paid Time Off (PTO)

* 12 Paid Holidays per year

* Paid Parental Leave

Who We Are

We are the world leader in stone wool solutions. Founded in 1937 in Denmark, we transform volcanic rock into safe, sustainable products that help people and communities thrive. We are a global company with more than 12,000 employees, located in 40+ countries with 51 manufacturing facilities… all focused on one common purpose - to release the natural power of stone to enrich modern living.

Sustainability is central to our business strategy. ROCKWOOL was one of the first companies to commit to actively contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) framework and are actively committed to 11 SDGs, including SDG 14, Life Below Water. Through our partnership with the One Ocean Foundation and in connection with our sponsorship of the Denmark SailGP team, we will help raise awareness around ocean health challenges in an effort to accelerate solutions to protect it.

Work Environment & Conditions:

* Our offices are thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and opportunities for social engagement, allowing employees to find balance and bring their best selves to work.

* ROCKWOOL believes in giving back to the communities where we operate. Our offices worldwide engage in philanthropic initiatives, community involvement, and sustainability efforts that contribute to improving society and the environment. We encourage our employees to get involved and make a positive impact in the communities we serve.

Diverse and Inclusive Culture

We want all our people to feel valued, respected, included and heard. We employ 79 different nationalities worldwide and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees, promote diversity, and work against all forms of discrimination among ROCKWOOL employees.

At ROCKWOOL, you will experience a friendly team environment. Our culture is very important to us. In fact, we refer to our culture as "The ROCKWOOL Way". This is the foundation in which we operate and is based upon our values of ambition, responsibility, integrity and efficiency.

ROCKWOOL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified candidates without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.