Laboratory Technician

The Paint Shop Laboratory Technician is responsible for conducting laboratory testing, analysis, and monitoring of automotive paint materials, chemicals, and process parameters to ensure consistent paint quality, process stability, and compliance with company and OEM standards. The role supports daily paint shop operations through accurate measurements, defect analysis, and process control, contributing to first-time-right quality and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities: • Perform routine laboratory testing of paint materials, including viscosity, solids content, pH, conductivity, density, and color evaluation. • Monitor and control pretreatment, electro-coat (E-coat), primer, basecoat, and clearcoat bath parameters to ensure process compliance. • Conduct daily chemical and solution analyses and maintain control charts to ensure process stability and product quality. • Support color matching and shade adjustments using spectrophotometers and visual assessments. • Perform coating film thickness measurements, appearance evaluations, and paint defect root-cause analyses. • Prepare, calibrate, maintain, and verify laboratory instruments and testing equipment. • Ensure the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals in compliance with HSE and environmental regulations. • Maintain accurate laboratory records, test reports, and process documentation. • Support paint trials, new material qualifications, product validations, and process improvement initiatives. • Assist in troubleshooting paint defects, including runs, sags, craters, dirt contamination, orange peel, and color variations. • Collaborate closely with Paint Process Engineers, Quality, Manufacturing, and Production teams to resolve technical issues and improve performance. • Comply with all Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) requirements, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) guidelines, and 5S workplace standards. Diploma or Associate Degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field. 2 4 years of experience in an automotive paint laboratory, paint shop, or similar industrial coatings environment. Knowledge of OEM paint quality standards and coating process requirements is preferred. Basic understanding of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) requirements and environmental regulations. Ability to work in a shift-based manufacturing environment and support production operations. Skills: • Strong knowledge of automotive paint processes, coatings, and paint materials used in manufacturing environments. • Good understanding of chemical analysis techniques and laboratory testing methods for paint and surface treatment processes. • Familiarity with control charts, statistical process control (SPC), and basic data analysis techniques. • Ability to identify, investigate, and perform root-cause analysis of paint and coating defects. • Proficiency in using laboratory instruments and testing equipment, including viscometers, pH meters, conductivity meters, and spectrophotometers. • Strong documentation, record-keeping, and technical reporting skills. • Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.