Associate, R&D Technician

Company Description

For more than 20 years, Vorbeck Materials has been pushing the boundaries of what advanced materials can do. Today, that foundation is powering technologies built for some of the world’s most demanding environments, from PFAS-free firefighting foams to advanced signal technologies for defense, communications, and industry.

Innovation is at the core of Vorbeck. With more than 100 patents, we’ve spent two decades transforming breakthrough materials science into technologies designed to solve complex, real-world challenges.

Twenty years in, Vorbeck is accelerating. We’re scaling technologies, expanding into new markets, and building the team that will shape what comes next.

Job Description

Job Type: Full-time
Classification: Non-Exempt
Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour, based on experience
Physical Setting/work location: On-site in Columbia, MD

Vorbeck is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate, R&D Technician to support the formulation, testing, and continued development of our PFAS-free firefighting foam technologies. This is a hands-on laboratory role responsible for preparing formulations and samples, conducting laboratory and performance testing, documenting results, and supporting ongoing research and product development projects.

Working alongside scientists, engineers, and other technical team members, the R&D Technician will gain exposure to a range of formulation, testing, and product development activities while developing strong technical knowledge of Vorbeck's firefighting foam products, laboratory methods, and performance testing.

• Formulation & Sample Preparation: Prepare firefighting foam formulations according to written formulation sheets, procedures, and established protocols. Accurately measure, mix, label, and handle raw materials and samples while maintaining consistency and attention to detail. Prepare Vorbeck formulations, competitive products, and other samples to support product development, evaluation, and testing.

• Laboratory Testing & Documentation: Perform routine analytical and performance testing on firefighting foam formulations, competitive products, raw materials, and developmental samples. Operate relevant laboratory and testing equipment and accurately document test conditions, observations, measurements, and results. Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs), testing methods, and documentation requirements to maintain accurate and traceable laboratory data.

• Research & Technical Support: Support internal research and product development projects by preparing experiments, conducting assigned testing, collecting data, and communicating observations and results to scientists, engineers, and other technical team members. Recognize unexpected results or testing observations and communicate findings to the appropriate team members. Contribute ideas that may improve testing methods, laboratory processes, and overall efficiency.

• Laboratory Safety & Operations: Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment by following established safety procedures and properly utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE). Properly handle, store, and dispose of laboratory materials and assist with maintaining laboratory supplies, equipment, samples, and workspaces.

• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with scientists, engineers, technicians, and other team members to support laboratory priorities and project timelines. Participate in training and cross-training across relevant laboratory procedures, equipment, and testing methods. Build technical proficiency and take on greater independence as knowledge of Vorbeck's products, processes, and laboratory methods develops.

• Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational goals and business needs.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific or technical field preferred, but not required. Equivalent relevant laboratory or technical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Basic understanding of chemical principles, laboratory practices, and laboratory safety.

• Academic laboratory, internship, research, capstone, or other hands-on technical experience is beneficial.

• Previous experience working in a chemistry, formulation, materials science, or product development laboratory is preferred but not required.

Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a consistent work ethic.

• Genuine interest in hands-on laboratory work, product development, and applied research.

• Eagerness to learn new laboratory techniques, testing methods, equipment, and technical concepts.

• Attention to detail and ability to consistently follow written procedures and instructions.

• Ability to accurately record observations, measurements, and test results.

• Ability to perform routine and repetitive laboratory tasks while maintaining accuracy and consistency.

• Effective organizational and time-management skills.

• Clear verbal and written communication skills.

• Willingness to ask questions, receive feedback, and apply training to future work.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a technical team while developing greater independence.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, up to approximately seven hours during a workday.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as part of regular job responsibilities.

• Must be able to perform the physical activities necessary for laboratory work, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and handling laboratory materials and equipment.

Additional Information

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Program
• Vacation, Personal Time, and 10 Paid Holidays
• Company-sponsored Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Opportunity for Relocation Assistance

*Vorbeck is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law. This position will involve work on government contracts and the government requires that qualified candidates must be United States citizens. All personal information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.*