Color Technician

Location: IPSA, Durham, NC. Reports to: Production Supervisor

About the role

Under general supervision, weighs colorants (tints, pigments, and dyes) for color mixtures. Creates testing samples and measures color for specification. The work involves the execution of specific instructions or procedures and typically comprises a complete segment of work, i.e., color weighing, sample preparation, and sample testing. The work product or service affects the accuracy, reliability, or acceptability of further processes or services.

Responsibilities

• Precisely weighs colorants to a +/-0.01 gram accuracy.
• Measures and checks critical raw materials per procedures.
• Creates pigment blends from formulation to improve quality, cost, or environmental compliance.
• Operates and tends equipment for generating batch results; makes decisions regarding pass/fail for continued processing.
• Submits failed samples and accurate data to QC for evaluation.
• Records color data on official QC test forms and enters data in electronic database; completes and files paper documents of QC results.
• Ensures QC testing samples are “conditioned” to proper temperatures for specified tests.
• Maintains equipment, utensils, and apparatus in good working condition.
• Maintains clearly labeled samples and waste disposal containers per EHS instructions.
• Active participant in Lean/Continuous improvement objectives.
• Follows ISO 9001 procedures. Recommends improvements. Completes documentation accurately and completely.
• Participates in investigation of claims about non-conforming product if they arise.
• Reports maintenance defects, operational errors, or defective equipment to immediate Supervisor.
• Through lab testing, assists in qualifying/validating new raw materials; conducts specified incoming raw material validation tests.
• Other duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities

• Observe all company work rules, policies, and procedures to ensure optimum safety, environmental compliance, and successful attainment of task objectives.
• Maintain work area and lab area in clean and uncluttered state.
• Handle and dispose of non-conforming material/hazardous waste as per approved guidelines.
• Completed assignments will be accurate, neat, and thorough.
• Must foster and support a positive work environment (with employees at all levels of the organization).
• Must be flexible to changes in assignment and workload and contribute to the growth of the organization.
• Must actively strive to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities related to present position or assignment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibilities typically assigned to this position; however, the Technician is authorized to stop further processing or shipping when quality deficiencies are detected, pending management intervention.

Requirements

• Ability to see color as measured by a 46 on the Farnsworth Munsell 100 hue test.
• High School diploma.
• Knowledge/experience in polymers and/or color preferred.
• Prior related industrial lab experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English (oral and written) required to communicate with employees at all levels of the organization, including communication of hazards and safety procedures.
• Must be proficient in arithmetic and basic mathematics (calculate percentages and ratios).
• Ability to use sound, independent judgment at all times.
• Ability to follow written and oral procedures and instructions.
• Ability to execute appropriate operating procedures, including safety procedures, and recognize non-conforming product/packaging/procedures.

Physical Demands

The work requires frequent periods of standing, recurring bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Schedule

Monday - Friday 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM with occasional overtime hours required including Saturdays.

Work Environment

The work environment involves moderate-high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations/chemicals or unusual environmental stress requiring special safety precautions, e.g., working with tools, hand trucks, carts, other vehicles, or with flammable, combustible, or irritant chemicals. Employees must be familiar with the use of personal protective equipment such as respirators, aprons, boots, goggles, gloves, shields, etc.