Quality Lab Tech

About the role

We are seeking a Quality Lab Technician to join the team of a growing specialty chemicals company in Walterboro, SC. This position supports Quality Control, Production, Research & Development, and Technology through hands-on analytical testing, laboratory operations, product release, and technical support. This is a great opportunity for an experienced laboratory professional or recent graduate with strong hands-on laboratory experience who is interested in building a career within a manufacturing and R&D environment.

Location: Walterboro, SC | Employment Type: Direct Hire, Full-Time

Responsibilities

• Quality Control: Perform analytical testing of incoming raw materials, in-process materials, blends, and finished products; test materials against established specifications and support product release activities; prepare, review, and maintain Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and laboratory documentation; enter, review, and maintain analytical data within ERP/LIMS systems; maintain retained samples according to established procedures; participate in investigations involving nonconforming materials, customer complaints, and product quality issues.
• Laboratory Instrumentation: Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including FTIR, UV/Visible Spectrophotometer, NMR, Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Brookfield Viscometer, Melt Flow Index Tester, Moisture Balance, Melting Point Apparatus, Density testing equipment, pH meters, APHA color measurement equipment, Gloss meters and colorimeters, Peel & adhesion testing equipment, Vacuum ovens and ash furnaces, Sieve analysis equipment, Analytical balances; support equipment calibration and maintain related documentation; coordinate service activities and assist with laboratory equipment troubleshooting.
• Production Support: Perform blend verification and production sample testing; support batch verification activities; coordinate release of acceptable production lots; work with production teams to address quality and testing needs.
• R&D & Technical Support: Prepare laboratory blends, prototype formulations, and customer evaluation samples; support Design of Experiment (DOE) activities and new product qualification; perform analytical testing of developmental products; assist with analytical method development and troubleshooting; support new supplier qualification testing and competitive benchmarking; perform product evaluations such as accelerated weathering, gloss, color, peel, and adhesion testing; coordinate testing with external laboratories and track results; support customer complaint and technical investigations.
• Laboratory Operations: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment; manage laboratory chemical inventory and reference materials; cross-train on laboratory procedures to provide operational continuity; support continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience through professional employment, internships, academic research, or laboratory coursework.
• 2–5 years of laboratory experience in a manufacturing, quality control, or R&D environment is preferred, but recent graduates with strong laboratory experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience performing analytical testing and interpreting laboratory data.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and analytical techniques.
• Experience with ISO quality systems preferred.
• Experience with ERP, LIMS, or similar systems preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a cross-functional environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, telemedicine
• Term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, legal plan, short-term disability