Quality Lab Tech with Security Clearance

Quality Lab Technician Location: Walterboro, SC Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Salary: ~$55,000/year (DOE) About the Opportunity 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.

Key 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. Preferred Background Experience in specialty chemicals, coatings, adhesives, polymers, plastics, lubricants, or other chemical manufacturing environments is preferred. However, candidates with strong laboratory experience from other industries-or recent graduates with meaningful hands-on analytical laboratory experience-are encouraged to apply. Compensation & Schedule * ~$55,000 annual salary
• Direct Hire
• Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
• 100% onsite in Walterboro, SC If you're looking for a hands-on laboratory opportunity where you can develop your analytical skills while gaining exposure to Quality Control, Manufacturing, and Research & Development, we'd like to hear from you. #P1 10421144