We are looking for a "Contract to Hire" in the Research and Development department at the Glass Technology Center in Harmar, PA.

Research and Development projects target the development and commercialization of glass products and processes that improve the sustainability, energy efficiency, functionality, and aesthetics of glass used in the building and transportation industries. These projects may involve the study of glass composition, glass material properties, glass surfaces, integration of glass into electronic devices, sputtered thin films on glass, window design, and other value-added glass technologies. These projects may also involve the development of novel manufacturing processes for new or existing products. The contract technician will be capable of working independently or in a team to plan, test, analyze, and document experimental results obtained in Research and Development projects.

* Work in a safe manner and strictly adhere to all laboratory and manufacturing safety protocols.

* Operate and maintain laboratory equipment

* Complete tasks on time and communicate any issues with tasks or questionable data to team members and experiment owners

* Conduct routine tests following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

* Prepare and process glass samples

* Assist in planning, coordinating, executing, documenting, and communicating experimental results both in the laboratory and at production facilities

* Operates vacuum coaters to deposit thin films on glass using magnetron sputtering processes.
* Performs routine maintenance as well as trouble-shooting on vacuum coaters such as conveyor repair, sputter target replacement, cathode maintenance, and pump maintenance.

* Processing (e.g. cutting, labeling, heating) of glass samples

* Chemical/environmental durability testing of glass samples, interpreting results, and writing test reports.

* Enters data into electronic spreadsheets, plots/charts data, and interprets results.

* Operates laboratory equipment used to prototype new glass products and processes and assists with equipment maintenance as needed

The primary location for this position will be in the laboratory environment at the Vitro Glass Technology Center.

This role will be primarily daylight hours with the occasional need to travel (10-25%) to manufacturing facilities in the US and possibly Mexico, suppliers, customers, or other Vitro locations. Some weekend/evening hours may be required depending on workload and schedules.

* Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline; 1+ years' laboratory experience preferred, but not required, in support of R&D equipment and instruments

* Attention to detail, documentation, planning and organization

* Written and Verbal communication skills

* Adherence to safe work practices in compliance with all environmental, health, safety, and security protocol

* Proficient computer skills (MS Office software)

* Ability to work both autonomously and in team settings

* Aptitude and willingness to continue to learn and expand upon skill set

* Flexibility to participate in other duties, as assigned