Lab Technician Intern

JOB DESCRIPTION: LAB TECHNICIAN INTERN

Position/Title:                         Lab Technician Intern

Exempt/Non-Exempt:           Non-Exempt

Reports to:                             Director of Quality, Research & Development

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Lab Technician Intern is responsible for assisting the lab and chemists through completing quality control testing & procedures and researching, developing, trialing, qualifying, compounding, analyzing, comparing, purchasing, planning, and finalizing product formulations, raw materials, and process & technology improvements based on customer needs, market demands and forecasting, and predetermined processes and procedures. 

CORE & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

            Tasks:

• Research new technologies for coatings, sealants, primers, etc.
• Follow up with suppliers on new additives and research opportunities. 
• Ability to accurately record laboratory practices and test results.
• Ability to follow departmental procedures and practices in an efficient and accurate manner.
• Ensure color matching performance, execution, and turn-around to defined & precise standards and customer satisfaction.
• Formulate custom colors to be produced in production in accordance with the ordered gallons.
• Formulate mass scale production of materials in alignment with lab batch approvals.
• Assist production personnel with color matching and product conformance in manufacturing. 
• Test and ensure new technologies, variant formulations, and custom colors are in the correct spec ranges to meet our quality standards.
• Stay in contact with suppliers about possible new raw materials and raw materials at a lower price point.
• Evaluate raw materials and suppliers to make recommendations on use, supplier and cost; Develops specifications for new and/or reformulated product
• Conducts quality control testing and develop methods in a manufacturing environment; Coordinates and/or creates QC and R&D activities including formulation, processing, testing and application. Support quality control during production; Assist with production when needed.
• Continually endeavors to improve the quality, production, and cost of existing formulas; Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve manufacturing issues related to quality and formulation.
• Perform multi-week aging on raw material offsets to ensure congruence of standard and  offset’s shelf life for raw materials.
• Accurately follow laboratory testing procedures and document results.
• Critically evaluate results and assist in troubleshooting and identifying the best practices.
• Ability to rapidly adjust to changing priorities.
• Communicate effectively to supervisor and production personnel.
• Assist in recording weekly raw material inventory.
• Perform various physical duties as assigned.
• Maintain all safety standards. 
• Abide by the company missions’ statement and core values. 
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in related field (Chemistry or Natural Sciences) intended. Applicant need not to have completed degree yet. The position will be introduced to the skills included below.

Ability to read procedures, specifications, schematics and manuals. Working knowledge of laboratory and manufacturing machinery and measurement tools. Capacity and comprehension to utilize, record, and communicate numerical and analytical precision. Understanding of production procedures, ASTM standards, and scientific method. Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, ERP solution, and similar software. Extensive use of Microsoft Excel is required. Adherence to health and safety regulations (e.g. constant use of protective gear). Analytical skills and attention to detail.

Teamwork and good communication skills. Able to receive and follow instructions and communicate with co-workers. Work effectively to meet or exceed productivity goals. Must work effectively with diverse types of people and solo environment. Must possess verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work flexible schedule/shifts. Maintains a positive attitude and contributes to a positive work environment. Understanding of visual factory and possesses high degree of organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The employee is required to sit, climb, balance, carry, push, pull, reach, and adjust body position to bend, stoop, walk, turn, pivot, sit, and stand for long periods of time. Extended periods of standing and sitting are required. The employee must frequently lift, maneuver, and/or pivot up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift, maneuver and/or pivot up to 50 pounds with assistance. Must wear all required personal protective equipment in designated areas and use necessary care to avoid placing self and others in an unsafe environment. Hearing and vision required to be within normal ranges. Ability to accurately distinguish color variation. Read at, above, and below shoulder height. Sufficient manual dexterity required to operate equipment. Ability to communicate orally in a clear, concise and effective manner with the co-workers, company representatives, management, and staff in face-to-face, one-on-one and group settings. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance at the facility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Normal range of tolerance to household and other types of typical industrial/construction chemicals and solvents. The manufacturing plant is not climate controlled. Material hazards may be in concentrated doses for lab use.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Progressive Materials is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, military status, veteran status, marital status, gender identity or expression, transgender status, citizenship, sexual orientation, age (40 and older), disability (except where the disability prevents the individual from being able to perform the essential functions of the job and cannot be reasonably accommodated) or any other legally protected characteristic under federal, state or local law.