Quality Lab Technician

About the Role

Job title: Quality Lab Technician

Department: Research and Development

Reports to: Director of Technology

Type: Full Time Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm

Location: Mayzo Operations Center in Walterboro, SC

Position Summary

The Quality Lab Technician supports the Quality Control and Technology functions by performing analytical testing, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, supporting production, and providing technical support for customer and research activities.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Control

• Perform analytical testing of incoming raw materials, in-process materials, blends, and finished products to verify compliance with established specifications.
• Perform material release activities for products held in QC status.
• Generate, review, and maintain Certificates of Analysis and laboratory documentation.
• Enter, review, and maintain analytical data within the ERP/LIMS system.
• Maintain and retain samples in accordance with established procedures.
• Participate in investigations involving nonconforming materials, customer complaints, and product quality issues.

Laboratory Instrumentation

• Operate, maintain proficiency on, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation including:
• • FTIR Spectrometer
  • UV/Visible Spectrophotometer
  • NMR
  • Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)
  • Brookfield Viscometer
  • Melt Flow Index Tester
  • Moisture Balance
  • Melting Point Apparatus
  • Density Testing Equipment
  • pH Meter
  • APHA Color Measurement
  • Gloss Meter
  • Colorimeter
  • Peel & Adhesion Tester
  • Vacuum Oven
  • Ash Furnace
  • Sieve Analysis Equipment
  • Analytical Balances
• Coordinate service activities and maintain calibration documentation for laboratory equipment.

Production Support

• Support production through blend verification and quality testing.
• Perform analytical testing of production samples.
• Support batch verification activities.
• Coordinate release of acceptable production lots.

Customer & Technical Support

• Prepare customer evaluation samples and laboratory blends.
• Perform quality verification testing of customer samples prior to release.
• Coordinate submission of samples to external laboratories.
• Track outsourced analytical testing and communicate testing status and results.
• Support customer complaint investigations.
• Assist with technical investigations as requested.

Research & Development Support

• Prepare laboratory blends and prototype formulations.
• Prepare/Assist with Design of Experiment (DOE) samples.
• Perform analytical testing of developmental products.
• Support new product qualification activities.
• Support new supplier qualification testing.
• Perform competitive benchmarking studies.
• Support accelerated weathering studies (QUV), gloss measurements, color measurements, peel testing, and other product evaluations.
• Assist with analytical method development and troubleshooting.
• Provide laboratory support for Technology Department projects.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain laboratory organization and cleanliness.
• Manage laboratory chemical inventory and reference materials.
• Cross-train on laboratory procedures to provide operational continuity.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to support business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering Technology, or a related scientific discipline required.
• 2–5 years of laboratory experience in a manufacturing, quality control, or research and development environment preferred.
• Experience in the chemical, coatings, adhesives, polymers, plastics, lubricants, or specialty materials industry preferred.
• Experience performing analytical testing, interpreting laboratory data, and operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience working within ISO quality systems and laboratory documentation preferred.
• Experience using ERP, LIMS, or similar laboratory information management systems preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.