Lab Technician

Workwear Outfitters•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Workwear Outfitters has a strong legacy of building innovative and authentic market-right products and is a leading supplier of work apparel and footwear for diverse occupations in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, government, food services, telecommunications, hospitality, and many more. Workwear Outfitters is based in Nashville, Tennessee with over $800 million in sales and we employ more than 5,800 people in facilities spanning the globe. Brands under the Workwear Outfitters umbrella include Red Kap®, Bulwark®, Image Authority®, Kodiak®, Terra®, Liberty ®, Work Authority®, Workrite® Fire Service, Chef Designs®, and Horace Small®. Workwear Outfitters is also the exclusive licensee for Dickies® apparel in the B2B channel. Our Purpose: “We champion and empower workers who make our world work better” Major benefits include medical, vision and dental, Life and Disability coverage. Other benefits included: 401K, Tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, and many others. What You Will Do as a Lab Technician: Under the general direction of the Lab Manager, this position is responsible for the testing of fabrics, garments and trim and findings and will analyze as needed. Cuts specimens to perform required tests to determine if the item being tested meets WWOF established minimum requirements. Observes and evaluates occurrences seen in the testing process, whether or not they were a part of the project request. How You Will Make a Difference: Performs testing on products in development, including evaluations for flammability, chlorine retention, dimensional stability, abrasion, and other performance properties using approved chemicals and lab equipment. Conducts up to 49 different textile test methods currently used in the laboratory. Technicians are also in the process of learning 5 footwear test methods as the lab expands testing capabilities. Communicates with internal customers to provide updates on project status and timing, including notifying teams of any failures before testing is completed. Manages and prioritizes workload to ensure all projects especially priority requests are completed by assigned due dates. On‑time completion is a tracked monthly lab metric. Performs wash testing according to industry standards, including light soil, industrial wash, and home wash procedures based on product type and end use. Operates and manages testing using 9 wash formulas, 7 industrial washers and dryers, and 6 residential washers and dryers. This often requires running and rotating multiple wash loads at the same time to meet testing timelines. Looks for opportunities to improve lab processes and workflows as part of continuous improvement efforts. Conducts periodic garment testing on inventory items selected through the monthly distribution center audit, including appearance and performance testing, and prepares reports. Completes Corrective Action and Preventative Action (CAPA) reports in line with A2LA / ISO 17025 requirements. This includes performing root cause analysis and developing short‑term and long‑term action plans. Evaluates garments returned by customers and performs root cause analysis to identify quality or performance issues. Reviews and analyzes testing results to ensure accuracy and clarity. Report accuracy is tracked as a monthly lab metric. Supports additional duties and projects as assigned. Participates on one of three lab teams that support ISO 17025 accreditation: A2LA Team: Maintains ISO documentation and supports the Proficiency Testing Program. Equipment Team: Assists with equipment maintenance, calibration, and functionality. Safety & Housekeeping Team: Maintains lab cleanliness and performs quarterly cleaning and equipment maintenance

Requirements

Equivalent outside experience is preferred.
Must meet laboratory performance standards, including on‑time project completion and report accuracy, for six months prior to applying for the position.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to work independently while organizing and prioritizing work effectively.
Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
Solid math, grammar, and clerical skills, demonstrated by a score of 4 or higher on the standard clerical skills assessment.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, changing environment with limited supervision.
Proven team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Actively looks for ways to improve laboratory processes and effectively uses the CAR/PAR process to implement improvements.
Reviews test methods to ensure understanding and applies that knowledge to accurately perform testing and report results.
Flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities and workload demands.
Completes additional duties and projects as assigned, which may include: Logging lab projects Sending Certificates of Conformance (COCs) to lab customers Acting as backup to the Quality Specialist Assisting with edits to the SPC RT program
Must pass the Farnsworth/Munsell 100 Hue Test for color vision accuracy.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
The role requires standing for the majority of the workday, with frequent bending and occasional squatting and reaching above shoulder level.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of textiles, garment manufacturing, and/or industrial laundering is preferred.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Lab Manager, this position is responsible for the testing of fabrics, garments and trim and findings and will analyze as needed.
Cuts specimens to perform required tests to determine if the item being tested meets WWOF established minimum requirements.
Observes and evaluates occurrences seen in the testing process, whether or not they were a part of the project request.
Performs testing on products in development, including evaluations for flammability, chlorine retention, dimensional stability, abrasion, and other performance properties using approved chemicals and lab equipment.
Conducts up to 49 different textile test methods currently used in the laboratory.
Communicates with internal customers to provide updates on project status and timing, including notifying teams of any failures before testing is completed.
Manages and prioritizes workload to ensure all projects especially priority requests are completed by assigned due dates.
Performs wash testing according to industry standards, including light soil, industrial wash, and home wash procedures based on product type and end use.
Operates and manages testing using 9 wash formulas, 7 industrial washers and dryers, and 6 residential washers and dryers.
Looks for opportunities to improve lab processes and workflows as part of continuous improvement efforts.
Conducts periodic garment testing on inventory items selected through the monthly distribution center audit, including appearance and performance testing, and prepares reports.
Completes Corrective Action and Preventative Action (CAPA) reports in line with A2LA / ISO 17025 requirements.
Evaluates garments returned by customers and performs root cause analysis to identify quality or performance issues.
Reviews and analyzes testing results to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Supports additional duties and projects as assigned.
Participates on one of three lab teams that support ISO 17025 accreditation: A2LA Team: Maintains ISO documentation and supports the Proficiency Testing Program. Equipment Team: Assists with equipment maintenance, calibration, and functionality. Safety & Housekeeping Team: Maintains lab cleanliness and performs quarterly cleaning and equipment maintenance