Laboratory Technician - Sustainable Constructions

Imerys•Johns Creek, GA

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician will support the Sustainable Construction Science and Technology (S&T) team and R&D departments in formulating, applying, and testing coating technologies, including liquid paints, powder coatings, and specialty finishes. This is an adaptive, project-focused role involving development and validation of testing methods tailored to customer applications, rather than routine testing. The technician will prepare lab-scale batches, perform analytical and physical testing, and help ensure products meet industry and customer specifications. The role works closely with chemists, scientists, and engineers on coating formulation and modification. It also includes applying coatings to different substrates, preparing test panels, monitoring drying and curing, maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment, following 5S practices and EHS requirements, analyzing results, and preparing technical reports and standard operating procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or associate's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a similar area of study.
0–3 years of laboratory experience.
Ability to adapt quickly among testing methodologies, customer projects, and formulation challenges involving liquid and powder technologies.
Strong understanding of fundamental chemistry, particularly polymer chemistry, cross-linking mechanisms, and physical chemistry.
Ability to interpret data, troubleshoot formulation issues, and use the scientific method to solve problems.
High precision in measuring chemicals and recording test results.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
Ability to safely lift and move materials up to approximately 40 pounds occasionally.
Comfort working in a laboratory with chemical odors, solvents, fine dust, and varying temperatures from curing ovens.
Comfort wearing respirators and other protective gear as required.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with non-routine laboratory projects rather than routine assay testing.
Prior experience in the paints, resins, or coatings industry.

Responsibilities

Participate in the development, adaptation, and validation of laboratory testing methods for customer applications and changing project needs.
Perform wet-state or uncured tests, including viscosity, density, fineness of grind, gel time, flow, and particle size analysis.
Conduct physical and mechanical testing on cured films, including thickness, gloss, color matching, adhesion, impact resistance, flexibility, and hardness.
Assist with chemical and environmental resistance testing, including salt spray corrosion, humidity, solvent rubs, and UV weathering.
Assist chemists, scientists, and engineers in developing and modifying liquid and powder coating formulations.
Prepare lab-scale powder coating batches through weighing, pre-mixing, extrusion, and grinding or milling, and prepare liquid coatings using dispersers, bead mills, and mechanical stirrers.
Measure and handle raw materials, including solvents, resins, pigments, curing agents, and additives.
Apply coatings to metal, wood, plastic, or paper substrates using appropriate spray, drawdown, or dip-coating methods.
Prepare test panels by cleaning, sanding, or chemically treating surfaces.
Monitor and record drying and curing times, operate laboratory baking ovens for powder or thermoset coatings, and monitor ambient cures for air-dry liquid systems.
Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace in accordance with 5S principles and safety requirements.
Calibrate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory instruments and application equipment.
Follow EHS guidelines for handling and disposing of hazardous chemicals, flammable liquids, and airborne particulates, and use required PPE.
Record experimental data, observations, and test results in LIMS or laboratory notebooks.
Analyze test data to identify trends, troubleshoot formulation issues, and recommend adjustments.
Draft technical reports and standard operating procedures for internal stakeholders.