Position Summary

The R&D Materials Technician is responsible for supporting Research & Development by managing the receipt, inventory control, and ERP transactions of prototype and development materials. This role partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to ensure materials are received, documented, and available to support product development timelines.

The R&D Materials Technician serves as the primary owner of engineering inventory, material transactions, supplier documentation, and ERP data accuracy while ensuring compliance with company quality systems and customer requirements.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Receiving & Supplier Management

• Support receiving prototype and development materials into inventory.
• Support reviewing incoming shipments for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate directly with suppliers to obtain or correct required documentation, including Certificates of Conformance (COCs), material certifications, inspection reports, and other quality documentation.
• Resolve receiving discrepancies in partnership with Quality and Purchasing.
• Ensure materials meet customer and internal quality requirements before release.

Inventory & Material Control

• Maintain accurate inventory records for engineering materials and prototype components.
• Organize and maintain the R&D stockroom and material storage locations.
• Execute cycle counts and physical inventories.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Stage materials for engineering builds and return excess materials to inventory.
• Maintain inventory traceability and material identification.
• Support transition of materials to production stock.

ERP Administration

• Complete inventory transactions within the ERP system.
• Create and maintain material master records in Epicor, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and Manufacturing Orders (MOs).
• Process Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) affecting inventory.
• Maintain accurate ERP data supporting engineering projects.
• Generate inventory reports and maintain system integrity.

Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean and 5S initiatives within engineering inventory areas, as needed.
• Recommend improvements to inventory control and material flow.
• Develop standardized processes that improve efficiency and inventory accuracy.
• Support additional departmental activities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering Technology, Operations, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Two to five years of experience in inventory control, materials management, warehouse operations, or manufacturing support.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems required.
• Medical device or regulated manufacturing experience preferred.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and supplier relationship skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across functional teams.
• Knowledge of inventory control principles and material handling practices.

Physical Demands

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to move materials using pallet jacks and other material handling equipment.
• Ability to work in warehouse, laboratory, office, and manufacturing environments.

Acknowledgement

I have received a copy of this job description, have read and understood it, and will complete all assigned duties and responsibilities. I recognize that the company reserves the right to modify this job description and that I will be informed of any and all modifications prior to their effective date.
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