Laboratory Technician

Purpose

Efficiently manufacture colors in accordance with applicable procedures and specified quality standards. This role requires performing testing on all incoming raw materials, in-process products, and finished products to ensure conformance with specifications.

Principal Responsibilities

General (All Positions)

• Uphold DDW’s Mission Statement, Quality Policy, and Values and Beliefs.

• Perform work accurately, reliably, and thoroughly in line with established procedures.

• Demonstrate proper work ethic: arrive on time, be present as scheduled, and be ready to work at the start of each shift.

Laboratory Technician-Specific

• Approve all incoming critical raw materials prior to production use.

• Retain and file Certificates of Analysis (COA) for all critical raw materials and associated records.

• Test all in-process materials; provide technical guidance to operators during processing.

• Approve all finished products for quality and specification conformance prior to customer shipment.

• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment as needed.

• Manage laboratory supplies inventory.

• Provide formulations as required.

• Create and retain batch reports for liquid products.

• Retain samples of every liquid and powder batch produced.

• Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) for finished product analysis and lab equipment calibration.

• Conduct trend analysis to develop cooking guidelines and training programs for liquid operators.

• Design and execute experiments (DOE) to optimize cooking times or reduce raw material costs.

• Actively participate in the Quality Improvement Process and GMP initiatives.

• Input and maintain data in the Enterprise One (E1) system.

• Communicate effectively across shifts.

• Manage and meet scheduling and production demands.

• Assist with preparation of customer samples as needed.

• Learn liquid production equipment operations and cooking processes.

• Operate cartridge and line filters, mass meters, and control panels.

• Maintain cook sheets during processing.

• Ensure housekeeping and sanitation of the liquid production area.

• Perform preventive maintenance on liquid production equipment.

• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or currently in progress).

• Strong mathematical ability.

• Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8–12 hour shifts).

• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. consistently.

• Work performed in a typical production environment.

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders.

• Must maintain balance and coordination while handling up to 50 lbs. of materials or product.

• Ability to work on top of and underneath rail cars while maneuvering hoses weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Experience with ERP systems or similar databases.

• Team-oriented with solid decision-making skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

• Word processing knowledge preferred.

• Previous production or manufacturing laboratory experience.