Job Title: Lab Technician – Color Matcher

Job Description

We are seeking a meticulous and detail-oriented Lab Technician – Color Matcher to join a small, collaborative laboratory team. In this role, you develop and refine color formulations to meet customer specifications, using color matching systems, specialized software, and spectrophotometers. You perform hands-on laboratory testing, support quality control activities, and help maintain an organized, safe, and efficient lab environment. This position is ideal for someone with strong color matching experience in paints, coatings, inks, or pigments who enjoys both technical problem-solving and teamwork in a close-knit setting.

Responsibilities

Develop and adjust color formulations to meet customer standards and specifications.
Create color chips and drawdowns to serve as reference standards for production and quality control.
Use color software and spectrophotometers to verify, refine, and document color matches.
Identify existing color matches using digital tools to optimize efficiency and consistency.
Calculate sample sizes based on customer ratios while maintaining 100% formula accuracy.
Convert formulas between weight and volume and calculate wet and dry film thickness as required.
Compare pigment loadings across batches to ensure consistent color across production lines.
Create and spray color samples using spray guns to evaluate finish, appearance, and coverage.
Apply standard color-coding conventions for labeling, documentation, and traceability.
Finalize experimental formulas in the computer and maintain accurate digital records.
Conduct physical property tests, including weight per gallon, specific gravity, pH, and viscosity.
Prepare and evaluate tint and mass tone drawdowns for materials such as epoxy, silicone, plastisol, and water-based systems.
Label raw materials, batches, and samples in accordance with laboratory standards and procedures.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace by following 5S methodology and housekeeping practices.
Assemble, disassemble, and clean laboratory equipment in line with safety and operational protocols.
Follow all laboratory safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment such as respirators and safety glasses.
Measure and document batch drawdowns using color software and spectrophotometers to support quality control.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance lab and production color accuracy and consistency.
Work collaboratively with production and quality teams to resolve color-related issues and support manufacturing needs.
Communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, demonstrating a positive and adaptable attitude.
Maintain strong punctuality and attendance to support reliable lab operations.
Contribute ideas for process improvement and participate in cross-functional initiatives within the lab and production environment.

Essential Skills

5–8 years of experience in color matching, preferably in paints, coatings, inks, or pigments (open to minimum of 2 years experience).
Proven experience in R&D color formulation, including developing and adjusting color formulas.
Strong practical experience with color matching systems, color software, and spectrophotometers.
Hands-on laboratory experience in wet chemistry and coating systems.
Ability to calculate and maintain 100% formula accuracy, including conversions between weight and volume and wet/dry film thickness calculations.
Experience preparing and evaluating tint and mass tone drawdowns for systems such as epoxy, silicone, plastisol, and water-based coatings.
Solid understanding of laboratory testing methods, including weight per gallon, specific gravity, pH, and viscosity.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to label, document, and track materials and batches accurately.
Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for collaboration with lab, production, and quality teams.
Demonstrated ability to work safely in a laboratory environment, including proper use of PPE and adherence to safety protocols.
Positive, adaptable attitude and willingness to learn and follow established internal methods and processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Experience with chemistry
Experience working with epoxy, water-based, silicone, and plastisol paints or coatings.
Familiarity with 5S or similar workplace organization and continuous improvement methodologies.
Comfort working in a small team environment with close collaboration and shared responsibilities.
Openness to learning new techniques and adapting to company-specific procedures and standards.
Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset for troubleshooting color and formulation issues.

Work Environment

You will work in a laboratory environment on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The lab is part of a small, family-oriented company with approximately 20 employees and a six-person lab team, creating a close-knit and supportive atmosphere. The facility focuses on epoxy, water-based, silicone, and other paint and coating systems, using tools such as color matching software, spectrophotometers, spray guns, and standard lab testing equipment. The workspace follows 5S organization principles and emphasizes cleanliness, safety, and efficiency. Personal protective equipment, including respirators and safety glasses, is required as appropriate for specific tasks. The environment encourages collaboration, open communication, and continuous improvement while maintaining a professional and safety-conscious culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elk Grove Village, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $34.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Elk Grove Village,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 5, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Actalent

Latest Jobs

Lab Technician

Lab Technician