Research Lab Technician

Quality Lab Technician / Research Technician

The Quality Lab Technician / Research Technician performs in-process inspections and testing of production batches, supports technical laboratory activities, and assists with production operations on the manufacturing floor. This role ensures that batches meet quality specifications, maintains accurate documentation and electronic records, and contributes to a safe, clean, and efficient lab and production environment. The position involves a mix of laboratory and production work, with approximately 60% of time spent in the lab and 40% on the production floor.

Responsibilities include maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organized laboratory and work area, printing batch tickets and drum tags for production, verifying that all batch tickets are completely and accurately filled out, entering batch information into Word and Excel files and maintaining accurate electronic records, scanning batch tickets and maintaining an organized electronic database of production documentation, performing all required testing for production batches as specified on batch tickets, issuing corrections or adjustments for materials that do not meet viscosity specifications, writing and managing hold tickets for nonconforming batches and materials, performing 3-day and 30-day retain viscosity checks and documenting results, conducting final inspection of finished goods as needed to verify conformance to specifications, reporting production and quality updates clearly and accurately to the next shift's Lab Technician, operating a forklift as needed after completing required forklift training and certification, inspecting incoming raw materials when required and documenting inspection results, performing dock audits on the production floor to verify compliance with quality and shipping requirements, supporting production operations by performing split duties between lab and production, handling mixing, batching, compounding, blending, and chemical handling tasks in accordance with safety and quality standards, assisting with machine operation, material handling, inventory support, and batch production documentation, following all safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and safe operation of equipment and forklifts, communicating effectively with production, quality, and technical teams to resolve issues and support continuous improvement, performing physical tasks such as standing for 8–10 hour shifts, walking, climbing ladders and stairs, bending, crouching, twisting, and turning as needed, moving on and off a forklift throughout the shift and assisting with cleaning equipment, products, and floors as required, participating in overtime and weekend work as scheduled based on business needs.

Essential skills include proficiency using computers, including Word, Excel, and email for data entry and documentation, strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy in documentation and testing, dependable work habits and the ability to collaborate and get along well with others, excellent problem-solving skills to identify and resolve quality and production issues, excellent communication and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and shift handoffs effectively, ability and willingness to work on the production floor as well as in the lab, ability and willingness to operate a forklift after training and certification, experience with mixing, batching, compounding, blending, and chemical handling in a production or lab environment, experience with machine operation, quality control, inspection, inventory, material handling, and batch production documentation, quality experience of 2+ years is preferred; at least 1+ year of related experience is beneficial, ability to speak, read, and write English to follow work instructions and complete documentation, ability to perform physical tasks such as overhead reaching, twisting, bending, crouching, standing for 8–10 hours, frequent walking, climbing ladders and stairs, and moving on and off a forklift, high school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.

Additional skills and qualifications include quality experience is preferred but not required; candidates with related production or lab experience are encouraged to apply, mobile equipment experience (such as forklifts or similar equipment) is preferred but not required, proficiency in SPC (Statistical Process Control) and SAP is preferred but not required, good knowledge of chemistry and math is highly beneficial for understanding formulations and test results, bachelor of science in mathematics, chemistry, or a related field is preferred but not required, comfort working in a chemical plant environment with exposure to moving equipment, noise, fumes, vibrations, and dust, willingness to work varying shifts, including first, second, and third shifts as needed, and to participate in overtime and occasional weekend work based on business needs, openness to a contract-to-hire arrangement with an initial 90-day period, flexibility to adapt to schedule changes, such as 4-day/10-hour shifts or 5-day/8-hour shifts, depending on operational requirements.

Why work here? This opportunity offers a strong blend of stability, growth, and hands-on experience in a modern manufacturing and laboratory environment. Team members benefit from a comprehensive training program, including forklift certification, which helps build long-term skills and career potential. There are clear growth opportunities that come with pay increases, along with a production bonus potential of up to 30%, shift differentials, and access to overtime based on business needs. The work culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous learning, providing a supportive environment where employees can develop technical expertise and advance their careers.

Work environment The role is based in a chemical plant focused primarily on automotive material production, with approximately 98% of output serving automotive applications. The facility offers a climate-controlled work environment in many areas but includes typical manufacturing conditions such as moving equipment, noise, fumes, vibrations, and dust. Reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The position involves working both in the lab and on the production floor, with approximately 60% of time spent in the lab and 40% in production.

Shifts and schedules include multiple options, such as first shift (e.g., 5:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday–Friday) and second shift (e.g., 3:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m., Monday–Friday). Some locations may operate a 4-day/10-hour schedule (e.g., 3:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m., Monday–Thursday) with plans to transition back to an 8-hour, 5-day schedule. Third shift (e.g., 11:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m., Sunday–Thursday) may be used depending on business needs. Weekend work can be scheduled on Saturday and Sunday, and overtime is posted in advance, typically on Wednesdays, with overtime potentially including Saturday only or both Saturday and Sunday.

The role requires standing for 8–10 hour shifts, frequent walking, climbing ladders and stairs, overhead reaching, twisting, turning, pivoting, bending, crouching, and moving on and off a forklift throughout the shift. Cleaning of equipment, products, and floors is part of the regular duties. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and other safety gear as required. Steel-toed shoes are required as part of the dress code, and additional PPE such as respirators may be available as needed for specific tasks.

Job type & location This is a contract position based out of Evansville, IN.

Pay and benefits The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace type This is a fully onsite position in Evansville, IN.

Application deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.