Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Quality Control Laboratory Technician tests raw materials and finished powder coating products to ensure they meet established specifications and quality standards. This role involves performing laboratory analyses, making pass/fail determinations, adjusting out-of-spec materials, and partnering closely with production and quality teams to maintain consistent product performance.

Responsibilities

• Test raw materials and finished powder coating samples in accordance with established specifications and procedures.
• Make accurate pass/fail determinations based on listed specifications, test results, and product knowledge.
• Adjust out-of-spec materials as needed to bring them back into compliance with quality requirements.
• Assist production operators daily with product and quality issues, providing technical guidance and support.
• Hold operators accountable to quality standards and procedures when issues arise.
• Perform laboratory tests and analyses as directed by quality control leadership.
• Operate and maintain laboratory testing equipment and instruments in a safe and effective manner.
• Document all test results, findings, and corrective actions in product run logs, certificates of analysis, re-certification records, and other quality documentation.
• Collaborate with other quality personnel, R&D, sales, and production teams to resolve quality concerns and support continuous improvement.
• Communicate test results and quality issues clearly and promptly to relevant internal stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, preferably in quality control or product testing.
• Knowledge of chemistry principles relevant to coatings, paints, inks, or polymers.
• Hands-on experience with lab testing techniques and lab analysis.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).
• Experience with wet chemistry methods.
• Ability to use and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Ability to interpret test results and make sound pass/fail decisions based on specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing and documentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot and adjust out-of-spec materials within defined guidelines.
• Effective communication skills to work with operators, quality personnel, R&D, sales, and customers as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in chemistry, such as coursework or a degree in chemistry or a closely related field.
• Experience in paint manufacturing, ink chemistry, or color matching.
• Experience with polymer chemistry and powder coating products.
• Prior experience in a quality control laboratory focused on coatings or similar materials.
• Comfort working cross-functionally with production, R&D, sales, and quality teams.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple tests, records, and documentation.

Work Environment

This role is based primarily in a modern quality control laboratory focused on powder paint products within a new, state-of-the-art powder facility featuring updated equipment and dedicated QC and R&D labs. The position follows a Sunday through Thursday third-shift schedule from 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., with initial training likely on first shift for one to two weeks depending on experience. The technician works closely with other quality personnel, production staff, R&D, sales, and occasionally customers to ensure product quality. The company offers a stable environment with a long-standing presence in the industry, opportunities for pay increases over time, a strong benefits package, and clear paths for upward mobility and promotion. The dress code is business casual.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Milwaukee, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $25.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Milwaukee,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.