R&D Process Technician

Join The HOYA Vision Care Team!

For over 60 years, HOYA Vision Care has been a passionate leader in optical technology innovation. As a manufacturer of high quality, high performing eyeglass lenses, we continuously aim to bring the best possible vision care solutions to eye care professionals.

We are currently hiring a Process Technician in our Ramsey, MN location! The R&D Process Technician supports the development and improvement of ophthalmic lens products and manufacturing processes through hands-on execution of coating, polymer processing, sample preparation, testing, and laboratory activities. The position will have a primary focus on hard coat and dip-coating processes while also supporting polymer casting and other R&D process-development activities.

What's in it for you?

• Health/Dental/Vision/Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401K plans
• PTO and Paid Holidays
• And more!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and support laboratory and pilot-scale hard coat and dip-coating processes, including lens preparation, cleaning, coating solution preparation, dip coating, curing, and post-process inspection.

• Prepare, handle, mix, filter, and maintain coating solutions and other chemical formulations in accordance with established procedures and experimental requirements.

• Set up, operate, monitor, and make appropriate adjustments to coating and related processing equipment to meet experimental and product-development requirements.

• Support the development and optimization of coating processes by accurately controlling and documenting process parameters such as withdrawal speed, temperature, humidity, cure conditions, solution age, and other relevant variables.

• Evaluate coated samples for cosmetic quality and process consistency and assist scientists and engineers in identifying and troubleshooting coating defects and process variation.

• Support polymer casting activities as required, including material preparation, mixing, mold preparation and assembly, filling, curing, demolding, cleaning, and inspection.

• Produce prototype and experimental lens samples according to defined test plans, work instructions, and direction from R&D scientists and engineers.

• Accurately document materials, equipment, process conditions, sample identification, observations, and experimental results to maintain traceability of R&D activities.

• Perform routine testing and characterization of experimental samples and report test data and observations. Assist in developing or improving test methods as needed.

• Collaborate with R&D scientists and engineers in the planning and execution of experiments, including providing practical feedback regarding equipment, processing methods, sample preparation, and process capability.

• Assist with troubleshooting and continuous improvement of coating, casting, and other laboratory processes to improve quality, repeatability, safety, and efficiency.

• Maintain laboratory and process equipment in an operational state, including routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, coordinating calibration or service activities, and identifying equipment or tooling requiring repair.

• Maintain appropriate levels of chemicals, consumables, molds, coating supplies, tooling, and other materials necessary to support R&D activities.

• Support the development and maintenance of work instructions, standard operating procedures, equipment documentation, and other technical documentation.

• Maintain and continuously improve laboratory safety, housekeeping, chemical handling, chemical storage, and waste-management practices.

• Follow applicable safety, quality, and R&D procedures and immediately communicate abnormal process conditions, equipment issues, safety concerns, or unexpected experimental results.

• Manage assigned activities and priorities in a dynamic R&D environment while maintaining appropriate attention to quality, safety, documentation, and project timelines.

• Support other R&D processes, equipment, testing, and development activities as business and project needs evolve.

• Perform additional duties as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required with demonstrated technical aptitude and interest in scientific, engineering, or manufacturing processes. Associate's degree or technical training in chemistry, materials science, engineering technology, manufacturing, or a related STEM field is preferred.

• Experience working in a laboratory, manufacturing, coating, chemical-processing, or similar technical environment is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to safely handle chemicals and follow chemical-handling procedures.

• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory and process equipment.

• Basic understanding of scientific principles relevant to the position, including chemistry, coatings, polymers, optics, and/or material properties.

• Ability to accurately follow experimental procedures while recognizing and communicating unexpected results or process conditions.

• Strong attention to detail, particularly when preparing materials, controlling process parameters, identifying samples, and recording experimental data.

• Effective at managing multiple priorities in a dynamic R&D environment.

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with appropriate direction.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a technical team and cross-functionally with scientists, engineers, technicians, quality personnel, and other departments.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Language Ability: Ability to read and learn complex procedure and by attending trainings and reading operational manuals and other documentations. Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals and write analytical reports, work instructions, procedures, and specifications.

Reason Ability: Ability to comprehend and analyze measurement data and plan and coordinate projects and to communicate effectively within the organization. Must have a high degree of initiative and be a self-starter. Candidate must have good communication and interpersonal skills.

Computer Skills: Basic knowledge and skill on PC to operate PC based analytical equipment. Database, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Minitab experience is desired. Ability to learn new software programs as required for data collection through various measurement systems

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and to use hands to grasp and manipulate. The duties of this job require exposure to working near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles, UV rays, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Safety Requirements

• Basic understanding of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program and the Hazard Communication Program.

• Closed toe shoe required with heel support

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment may require P.P.E.

• Safety glasses and long sleeve shirts may be required where needed.

• Must be able to identify why certain waste are considered Hazardous, Non-hazardous, and non-regulated.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE per the Job Hazard analysis for the specific job in question generating waste.
• Must be able to dispose of waste in the appropriate container.
• Must be able to transport the "daily empty" containers and transfer the generated waste into the satellite containers for the specific waste.
• Must be able to identify which containers are appropriate for each waste stream.
• Must be able to communicate to Lab Managers that Satellite waste is full and needs to be transported to waste holding pit.

• Must be able to perform weekly hazardous waste inspections for work areas generating waste.

Non Exclusive

The duties outlined in this document are not limited to what is presented and are not exclusive. You may be asked from time to time to perform additional duties by your supervisor.