Research Technician

Job title: Research Technician (R&D)  
Travel Required:  1%
Department: R&D
Location: York, PA.      
Hiring Manager:  Head of York R&D Lab

About RHI Magnesita?
RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are critical for high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C in a wide range of industries, including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals and glass. With a vertically integrated value chain, from raw materials to refractory products and full performance-based solutions, RHI Magnesita serves customers around the world, with around 20,000 employees in 47 production sites, 7 recycling facilities and more than 70 sales offices. RHI Magnesita intends to build on its leadership in revenue, scale, product portfolio and diversified geographic presence to expand further in high growth markets. 

What RHI Magnesita has to offer?
    Competitive compensation package, health/dental care benefits/generous 401k matching.
    Company reimbursed fitness memberships.
    Education reimbursement program plus continuous learning courses.

About the opportunity?
We are seeking a Research Technician at our York, PA facility. This position will directly assist the R&D Engineer and/or Project Manager in refractory material development. This is an onsite, hourly position.

Qualifications:
•    Industry Expertise: Preferred background in industrial science, Research, or Quality Control, specifically with brick making, castables, or precast construction products.
•    Technical Literacy: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience following ASTM or Standard Operating Procedures.
•    Operational Safety: Proven track record in safety-first environments, including certified forklift operation and the safe use of plant/lab equipment.
•    Analytical Rigor: Strong critical thinking for test scheduling, data interpretation, and meticulous attention to detail.
•    Professionalism: Excellent communication skills with the ability to build cross-functional relationships at all levels.
•    Physical Requirements: Ability to thrive in heavy manufacturing environments (hot/dusty conditions) and the physical capacity to lift 50 lbs. safely. 

Responsibilities:

•    R&D Support: Assist engineers with refractory product development, materials testing, and facilitating industrial plant trials.
•    Lab Operations: Prepare samples using wet/dry saws and operate high-temperature kilns and equipment for specialized testing (e.g., Cold Crushing, Density, Porosity, HMOR, and XRF).
•    Data Integrity: Maintain accurate test databases, ensure data quality, and utilize SAP for work order management.
•    Compliance & Standards: Strictly adhere to ISO processes, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Cardinal Safety Rules.
•    High-Heat Safety: Consistently wear full PPE, including specialized suits for 3,000°F furnace access.
•    Operational Excellence: Maintain a clean workspace through 6S initiatives and support evolving business needs as required.

EEO Statement
RHI Magnesita is an equal opportunity employer and employs individuals regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical handicap, age, marital status or other protected class status pursuant to applicable law. RHI Magnesita does not reject employees, or otherwise deem employees unacceptable, or take any other action for any reason prohibited by federal, state or local laws including, but not limited to, laws pertaining to employment discrimination or employee safety. In addition, RHI Magnesita does not tolerate unlawful harassment or retaliation, and abides by all applicable laws related to sexual or other forms of harassment and all laws regarding retaliation.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties, skills, and responsibilities of the job. May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.