Circular Plastics Australia (CPA) is a leading innovator in sustainable plastics recycling, specialising in the conversion of post-consumer plastics into food-grade rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) resins. Our commitment to environmental responsibility and product quality drives our mission to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy. We are currently seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join our team at our state-of-the-art rPET recycling facility in Altona North.

About this opportunity

As a Laboratory Technician at CPA, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in our rPET production process. You will be responsible for conducting laboratory tests, maintaining accurate records, and supporting the site management team in maintaining and improving product quality. This role requires a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.

*** Candidates applying for this role must be available and willing to work weekend shifts

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Quality (QA & QC) Testing: Perform routine quality control tests on in-process material and finished product, including hot-washed flake and rPET pellets.
• Record and analyse test results, ensuring data accuracy and integrity. Assist in identifying trends, deviations, and potential quality issues. 
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results. 
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and organized laboratory records, including test data, test methods, and quality control procedures. 
• Compliance: Adhere to safety protocols, quality control standards, and environmental regulations. Assist in audits and compliance inspections as required.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, to address quality issues, implement process improvements, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current with industry best practices, new testing methods, and emerging technologies related to recycling and rPET production. Participate in training programs as required.

Your skills and experience

To be successful in this role, you’ll have:

• Prior experience in a quality control or laboratory technician role, preferably in a plastics or recycling environment, is not a must but considered highly desirable as a plus.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing methods and equipment, including spectrophotometers, rheometers, and mechanical testing machines.
• Experience with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow strict testing protocols.
• Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Commitment to safety, environmental sustainability, and quality.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint,).

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field is preferred as role includes interaction with specialised equipment and knowledge (such as GCMS and polymer rheology). Relevant laboratory experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.