Quality Control Lab Technician

Role overview

This position is responsible for carrying out routine through advanced quality control testing on raw materials, intermediates, and finished goods. The role involves checking results against specifications, making informed technical judgments, and supporting production quality decisions across the plant.

Key duties

• Conduct daily and more complex QC tests on raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, using judgment and interpretation where needed after training.
• Work through complex test-result calculations to confirm whether products remain inside specification limits.
• Suggest practical adjustments to formulas or materials based on test outcomes and technical review, escalating sensitive matters when required.
• Help lead problem-solving efforts for quality issues affecting raw materials, intermediates, and finished goods.
• Clean, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment while keeping the work area safe and orderly.
• Coordinate with production, maintenance, technology, and other plant teams to share test findings and recommend corrective actions.
• Respond to general customer questions and complaints related to product quality and testing information.
• Complete, review, and file forms, logs, and reports according to operating procedures.
• Ensure all tests are finished and results meet required specifications before product moves to the next production stage.
• Enter batch information into the electronic batch records system.
• Prepare customer paperwork and documentation as needed.
• Collect and dispatch customer samples when required.
• Use computer systems to support efficient product testing.
• Decide the disposition of non-compliant finished goods and place non-conforming material on hold when necessary.
• Support ISO management systems and safety systems.
• Track lab supply inventory.
• Identify product issues and communicate them to relevant departments.
• Draft, maintain, and update quality department SOPs to align with ISO requirements.
• Assist in training other lab technicians when needed.
• May assign or prioritize tasks for junior staff and support their development.
• May also carry out work similar to a batchmaker or operator, which can involve greater physical demands and manufacturing-site conditions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Experience and education

Applicants should have at least 2 years of QC or production experience. The role requires education above high school level, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.

Skills and knowledge

• Basic formula and equation calculations
• Quality control testing methods
• Laboratory equipment operation
• Understanding of manufacturing and production processes
• Technical interpretation of test results
• Material and formula adjustment analysis
• Documentation and technical reporting
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office
• Cross-functional communication
• Problem-solving in a manufacturing environment
• ISO documentation and compliance support
• Safety-aware laboratory practices

Work environment and physical demands

The job may expose the incumbent to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibration, fumes, odors, dust, gases, chemicals, oils, and other conditions commonly found in manufacturing and laboratory settings.

The role typically requires reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing, grasping, feeling, speaking, hearing, seeing, and repeated motions.

Company overview

Sherwin-Williams focuses on helping protect and improve the world through paints, coatings, and related solutions. The organization emphasizes employee growth, well-being, inclusion, and community connection, and offers a range of benefits and development opportunities.

Benefits and compensation notes

The company states that employees may be eligible for benefits covering retirement, healthcare, total well-being, and commuting support, depending on eligibility. Compensation is determined case by case and may vary based on skills, experience, training, licenses, certifications, and business needs. Any published wage range is subject to geographic differences and may be updated by the company without notice, as permitted by law.

Equal opportunity and hiring notice

Sherwin-Williams is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without discrimination based on protected characteristics. The company also notes that applicants with arrest or conviction records may be considered in line with applicable laws. In addition, the recruiting team will not ask candidates for payment, bank details, national identification numbers, dates of birth, or other sensitive personal information during the application process.