A professional who sets up and operates small-scale chemical production equipment under laboratory conditions to test methods and chemical processes for product development, following specifications and guidance from research chemists or engineers. Respnsibilities include:

• Sets up production equipment, such as reactors, stills, stripping towers, separators, and blending tanks, using mechanics' handtools and portable power tools.
• Starts pumps and compressors.
• Turns valves to regulate equipment temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and liquid levels, following process specifications or instructions of technical personnel.
• Observes meters and gauges to verify process conditions.
• Performs standard quantitative or qualitative chemical analyses, such as titration, distillation, caustic-insoluble, and color-measurement tests, to verify process conditions and compile research data.
• Mixes chemical solutions as directed for use in tests.
• Prepares operating records and reports of test results.
• May adjust and repair mechanical and electronic testing equipment, using handtools, circuit diagrams, and maintenance manuals.