Research & Development Zirconia Technician
Argen Corporation
Summary
The Research & Development Zirconia Technician assists in preparing materials, operating laboratory and production equipment, and documenting results in support of research and development testing in the zirconia production facility. The position performs all work in accordance with established procedures and Company safety, quality, and confidentiality requirements.
Job description
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Participates in product development activities for new and existing manufacturing processes.
- Prepares ceramic powder blends for research and development projects in accordance with established formulations and procedures.
- Operates equipment used in research and development projects (e.g., mass scales, powder blenders, hydraulic presses) in accordance with operating instructions and safety procedures. Provides assistance to other members of the ceramics research and development team on manufacturing and process development activities.
- Maintains accurate, complete, and contemporaneous records of project work in accordance with good documentation practices. Adheres to all Company safety policies and procedures, including proper use of required PPE.
- Prepares test specimens and performs basic measurements, such as dimensions, weight, density, and shrinkage.
- Supports property testing, such as flexural strength, translucency, and shade evaluation, as directed.
- Compiles results on spreadsheets or summary report for R&D/Engineering review.
- Promptly reports equipment malfunctions.
- Identifies and reports deviations, nonconforming results, or unexpected outcomes.
- Other duties as assigned.
What does it take to be successful?
- Associate of Science (AS) degree in engineering technology, chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on experience in a research and development, laboratory, or technical manufacturing environment.
- Working knowledge of basic math, including weights, ratios, percentages, and metric units.
- Familiarity with laboratory or production equipment preferred.
- Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail in performing measurements, following procedures, and maintaining documentation.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly document work and report results.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook); experience with data entry or laboratory data systems preferred.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize assigned tasks, and maintain professional working relationships.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including research and development, production, quality, and engineering personnel.
- Understanding of manufacturing quality systems and regulatory requirements (ISO 13485, cGMP preferred).
Requirements
- Associate of Science (AS) degree in engineering technology, chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience
- Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on experience in a research and development, laboratory, or technical manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of basic math, including weights, ratios, percentages, and metric units
- Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail in performing measurements, following procedures, and maintaining documentation
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Understanding of manufacturing quality systems and regulatory requirements (ISO 13485, cGMP preferred)
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick Time
- Employee Events
- Wellness Programs
- Employee Discounts
Company overview
Argen Corporation is the world's largest manufacturer of precious dental gold alloys and a global leader in zirconia manufacturing and digital dentistry solutions. Founded in 1963 in South Africa and relocated to the United States in 1983, this family-owned company has grown into a premier provider of dental laboratory materials and services with over 50 years of industry experience. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Argen operates a 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility and distributes products to more than 100 countries through subsidiaries in Canada, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The company specializes in precious metal alloys, zirconia discs, digital dentistry solutions, and scrap refining services. Argen's digital division operates over 100 printing and milling machines running 24/6, supported by more than 150 technical staff. Their comprehensive product portfolio includes Selective Laser Melted (SLM) copings, Digital Precious Metals, Argen®Mill milled gold crowns, custom abutments, zirconia discs, digital models, and various dental resins. Argen enables dental laboratories of all sizes to integrate digital workflows through their extensive range of digitally-produced products and services, positioning themselves as a key innovator in the transition to digital dentistry while maintaining their legacy as the world's leading precious dental alloy manufacturer.