3rd Shift Quality Control Lab Technician

As a global marketing experience company, Quad’s goal is to help our clients win every day. We use our data-driven integrated marketing and manufacturing platform to streamline solutions for our clients, reduce friction and enhance their marketing spend effectiveness.

About the role

Quad is seeking a Quality Control Lab Technician to join our Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) team in Hartford, Wisconsin. In this role, you'll perform quality control testing and color matching on printing inks and raw materials. You'll use laboratory instrumentation to measure physical properties, visually evaluate color, prepare and test samples, and help ensure materials meet established specifications before they're used in production. You'll also work with solvents, powders, resins, pigments, substrates, and printed materials while gaining valuable experience in ink quality, color science, materials testing, and industrial laboratory practices.

This position is located at Quad's Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) facility in Hartford, WI—not the Quad print manufacturing campus off Highway 60.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality control testing on printing inks and raw materials.
• Evaluate and match ink color using laboratory instrumentation and visual assessment.
• Measure physical properties and compare results against established specifications.
• Weigh, mix, prepare, and test laboratory samples using established procedures.
• Test materials including solvents, powders, resins, pigments, printed materials, and substrates.
• Use specialized laboratory equipment and instrumentation for routine and non-routine testing.
• Perform calculations related to formulations and mixed compositions.
• Record, analyze, and communicate laboratory test results.
• Use Excel and other software tools to perform calculations, analyze data, and create plots.
• Follow standard operating procedures and established laboratory practices.
• Properly use required PPE when working with chemicals and laboratory materials.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and technical teams to support quality and production needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Two-year technical degree in Chemistry, Quality Control, or a comparable scientific field.
• Relevant experience in the ink, paint, coatings, chemical, or materials industry may be considered for candidates with strong demonstrated technical knowledge.
• Experience with general laboratory practices, including weighing, mixing, testing, and sample replication.
• Basic working knowledge of chemistry and statistics.
• Working knowledge of algebra and arithmetic used in formulation and composition calculations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including calculations and data plots.
• General proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and comfort learning new software.
• Ability to accurately distinguish and assess color and complete the Munsell color test.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, consistent results.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and accurately document test results.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain a clean, orderly laboratory environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to safely perform job duties, follow laboratory procedures, document results, and communicate effectively with team members.
• Comfort using appropriate PPE and working safely with materials including solvents, acids, bases, inks, resins, pigments, and powders.

Pay

$20.00 – $25.00 / hour, based on relevant experience, education, and technical skills

Schedule

Night Shift | 7:00 pm – 7:00 am
Monday–Wednesday
Consistent three-day workweek

Benefits

We offer comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings, paid time off, holidays and additional benefits.