Job Title: Lab Technician III
Location: Ames, Iowa
Type: W2 Contract (Long Term)
Work Setup: On-site
Industry: Oil & Gas
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401(k)
Job Summary
Airswift is searching for a Research Support Technician to assist one of our major clients in experimental work related to renewable feedstocks and fuels. This role involves operating bench-scale equipment, conducting laboratory experiments, and supporting pilot plant operations under the guidance of the Team Lead.
Experimental Services and/or Research Support Engineers. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with small-scale process equipment and a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate bench-scale equipment and perform laboratory activities such as blending, filtration, reactions, and distillations.
- Conduct analytical testing and handle equipment operating at elevated temperatures and pressures.
- Assemble, operate, and maintain experimental systems at the Ames Technology Center.
- Adhere to lab process safety and operational excellence programs, including Control of Work.
- Maintain independence and accountability in conducting experiments while meeting multiple deadlines.
- Handle hazardous materials (flammable or corrosive liquids) with appropriate PPE.
- Follow written SOPs to support development, improvement, and scale-up of manufacturing processes.
- Configure laboratory systems and equipment for experimentation.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and clean laboratory environment.
- Assist in troubleshooting and improving laboratory equipment and processes.
- Communicate progress of projects and experiments accurately and timely.
Basic / Required Qualifications
- A.S., A.A.S., or other 2-year degree in renewable energy technology, process technology, industrial maintenance, HVAC, industrial technology, advanced manufacturing technology, or similar.
- 2–4 years of relevant work experience.
- Strong safety record and work ethic (safety-sensitive position).
- Ability to follow processes and procedures implicitly.
- Ability to lift 5-gallon containers (approx. 45 lbs).
- Comfortable standing and working for long periods in a lab environment.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience with common hand tools (torque wrench, ratchet wrenches, handsaw, electric drill).
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Practical experience with Excel (including formulas and cell references).
- Working knowledge of Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- B.S. degree in chemical, mechanical, industrial, or biosystems engineering.
- Experience with biofuels and/or renewable feedstocks (e.g., fats & oils).
- Familiarity with process engineering fundamentals (PFDs, heat/energy balances, P&IDs).
- Experience with lab-scale process instrumentation and equipment (pressure transmitters, thermocouples, pumps, mixers, heat trace, process control, compression tube fittings).
- Experience with process control and automation software (Rockwell Studio, FactoryTalk View Studio).
- Experience assembling glassware apparatus and conducting experiments using glassware.