Lab Technician - Powder QC
Schedule: Sunday-Thursday, 3rd Shift (9:30 PM - 6:00 AM)
Pay Range: $22.00 - $26.00; including shift premium $25.30 - $29.90 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)
Since 1923, Hentzen Coatings, Inc. has remained an independent, privately held company dedicated to excellence in the development and manufacture of advanced coatings. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and service has earned us recognition as a trusted partner and technology leader in the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. With nearly a century of experience, we've mastered the art of custom-engineering coatings to meet the unique and demanding requirements of our customers. This innovation comes to life in our state-of-the-art facilities, where talented teams collaborate to solve complex challenges and deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Position Summary
The Lab Technician - Powder QC performs standard test procedures on material samples to ensure quality and conformance to specifications.
Successful candidates must achieve acceptable scores on both the color matching and math assessments.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Test raw material and finished powder coating samples per established specifications which includes processing of material and test panel preparation.
- Make pass/fail determinations based on listed specifications and product knowledge.
- Adjust out-of-spec material.
- Apply knowledge of the production process and understanding of formulation technology to solve production related problems.
- Develop understanding of how coating formulations and properties affect end-user application.
- Perform a variety of lab studies or services in support of projects under the supervision/direction of the QC Manager or a development team member.
- Produce neat and orderly documents and reports as requested on product run logs, certificates of analysis, recertification records, and others as requested.
- Prepare pre-ship and co-ship customer packages and expedite to the shipping department.
- Operate all equipment and instruments in a safe manner.
- Responsible for upkeep and cleanliness of laboratory equipment and instruments
- Participate in housekeeping activities, including the proper disposal of hazardous waste in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements. Initial and annual hazardous waste training is provided by the Environmental and Safety Coordinator or department supervisor.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements
- Preferred education level: Associate's or two-year college degree or equivalent.
- Preferred experience level: Three or more years of experience in batch creation, wet testing, color matching, and paint characteristics in a manufacturing setting.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and evaluate performance metrics such as FRC (hits per batch), cycle time, and on-time delivery to drive Quality Control process improvements.
- Proficient in manipulating and analyzing QC data using Microsoft Excel and Access databases.
- Excellent color vision with strong attention to visual detail and quality standards.
- Advanced mathematical skills, including accurate metric-to-standard unit conversions.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), ERP systems, and standard office equipment.
- Collaborative team player with a proven ability to work effectively in team-based environments.
- Demonstrated team-building strengths with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
- Regularly required to communicate verbally and audibly in a manufacturing or operational setting.
- Frequently required to stand, walk, and move throughout the work area.
- Regular use of hands and fingers to handle, manipulate, and control objects, tools, or equipment.
- Required to sit, balance, stoop, and occasionally reach above shoulder level.
- Occasional operation of machinery using foot controls
- May be required to climb, balance, and reach overhead as part of job duties.
- Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 65 lbs.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safety shoes, safety glasses, and flame-retardant uniforms or lab coats are required in production areas.
- Respirators and ear plugs are required for specific production processes.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package.
- Generous PTO policy
- 401(k) Employer Match: We match employee contributions up to 8% of eligible compensation.
- Profit Sharing: Discretionary annual contribution based on company performance.
- Employee referral bonus program
- Monthly employee food trucks
- ...and much more!
At Hentzen, you'll find more than a job-you'll discover an opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact. If you're ready to join a company known for its heritage of innovation and dedication to its people, we invite you to explore a rewarding career with us.
Please send your resume to:
Hentzen Coatings, Inc.
Attn: Human Resources
6937 W. Mill Road
Milwaukee, WI 53218
or
APPLY ONLINE AT:
Hentzen Career Center
Hentzen Coatings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
www.hentzen.com
All candidates are subject to post-offer testing: including a job-related pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.
Hentzen Coatings
22 To 29.90 (USD) Hourly
401(k), profit sharing
Feb 18, 2026