Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
POSITION TITLE
Lab Technician – Plastics Additives R&D
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are hiring a Lab Technician to execute analytical testing, support polymer processing trials, manage sample workflows, and coordinate across R&D, analytical labs, Technical Service & Development, regulatory, shipping, and commercial teams—a high-visibility role where your data directly informs product-release decisions, customer readiness, and commercialization timelines.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Execute analytical testing across polymer characterization and additive-analysis methods, including FTIR, GC, active oxygen, moisture, MFR, DSC, Crystex, SAOS/rheology, gel content, impact, and flexural testing.
Support polymer processing trials, including twin-screw extrusion compounding, injection molding, and blending operations—from material staging and parameter setup through sample collection, evaluation, and troubleshooting.
Manage sample workflows end-to-end—preparation, labeling, safe handling and storage of additives including peroxides and oxidizers, inventory tracking, QC release, and domestic/international shipment with SDS and regulatory documentation.
Coordinate across functions as the operational link between R&D scientists, analytical specialists, TS&D engineers, sales, regulatory, shipping, tolling facilities, and customer technical contacts.
Maintain data integrity across shared project datasets, master data files, QC spreadsheets, laboratory records, and Technical Service Requests (TSRs).
Support method development, validation, and transfer, including documentation, calibration standards, and troubleshooting analytical variability.
Communicate proactively—provide updates, flag risks, close loops, and keep stakeholders informed across concurrent projects.
QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
B.S. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
2+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in a polymer, plastics, or chemical environment
Proficiency in multiple polymer characterization or analytical chemistry techniques
Working knowledge of sample preparation, handling, and storage for polymer and chemical-additive materials
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams) and a LIMS or lab notebook
Strong organizational, communication, and multi-tasking skills
QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED
M.S. in a related field; 3+ years in plastics additives or polyolefin environments
Hands-on experience with polymer processing equipment, including twin-screw extruders, injection molding machines, single-screw extruders, or dry-blending/compounding equipment
Experience with advanced characterization techniques (Crystex, TREF/TGIC, GPC, SAOS, SEM)
Familiarity with method development/validation, DOE, JMP or Minitab, SAP, and international shipping documentation
The successful candidate will have strengths in the following:
Analytical Rigor
Produce data people can bet decisions on—accurately and independently
Problem Solving
Investigate anomalies and propose next steps, not just report results
Processing Aptitude
Understand how materials behave during extrusion, molding, and compounding—and how processing affects performance
Ownership
Track work from request to completion; nothing falls through the cracks
Cross-Functional Fluency
Speak the language of the lab, the plant, the customer, and the shipping dock
#LI-AP1
Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact TalentAcquisition@milliken.com.
Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, we create products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for customers and communities. Our commitment to driving change for more sustainable outcomes is at the core of everything we do.
Our innovative capabilities can help you solve challenges. Our extensive portfolio includes thousands of patents varying in a diverse range of applications across industries including textile, specialty chemical, flooring and healthcare businesses. We know that the best ideas are born by empowering the brightest people. That’s why we give our teams the tools they need to imagine world-changing solutions and then realize their vision. We focus on insights and innovation to develop everything from new molecules to new products that protect first responders, help wounds heal faster, protect our food, and make environments healthier. At Milliken, we make products that make people’s lives better.
At Milliken, we foster a culture of integrity and excellence, encouraging our talented team of curious minds to push boundaries and uncover new possibilities. Together we strive to positively impact the world around us for generations to come.
Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at www.milliken.com or find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
