Job Title: Lead Lab Technician Job Description The Lead Lab Technician coordinates daily laboratory activities, performs inspections, and conducts analytical testing on raw materials, in-process batches, and finished goods. This role supports the Quality Supervisor by prioritizing testing, troubleshooting product-related issues, and ensuring effective communication with operations and technical employees. The position requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Responsibilities + Perform routine testing of raw materials to support purchase decisions and reduce quality variability. + Conduct routine testing of in-process batches and finished goods, recommending adjustments according to quality standards. + Prioritize daily testing based on production needs, sample volume, customer requirements, and testing requirements. + Ensure accurate, timely, and complete documentation in SAP and other necessary software. + Make fast and accurate decisions on product dispositions using root cause analysis techniques. + Communicate reasoning and concerns to the Quality Team Lead regarding product disposition decisions. + Comply with retain samples management. + Serve as the primary resource for Quality Technicians in inspections, adjustments, and troubleshooting issues. + Conduct basic training for new employees and assess training effectiveness. + Support resolution of internal and external nonconformances. + Assist with equipment calibrations and verifications. + Provide feedback to the Quality Supervisor on performance, training gaps, and competencies. + Complete additional tasks or responsibilities assigned by the company or direct supervisor. + Follow and adhere to all safety standards and regulations. + Maintain a clean and tidy workspace. Essential Skills + Experience in quality control, laboratory, and chemistry. + Proficiency in GC (Gas Chromatography), ideally with troubleshooting experience. + Experience in FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy). + Good documentation skills. + Previous experience as a lead or in a leadership role, demonstrating independent decision-making in quality issues. + Knowledge in coating, ink chemistry, wet chemistry, and analytical chemistry. + Experience with HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography). Additional Skills & Qualifications + 2-year associate's degree or 4-year bachelor's degree in a science-related field preferred. + 3-5 years of industry experience, not necessarily in inks/coatings, but with a QC/industry experience. + Applicants with extensive ink/coatings experience or chemical manufacturing laboratory experience will be considered. + Ability to distinguish color nuances is a plus. + Previous experience in Color Theory/Matching preferred. + Ability to maintain records, generate written reports, and communicate results clearly. + Knowledge of Microsoft Office required. + SAP experience preferred. + Analytical and problem-solving skills. + Ability to demonstrate leadership skills without formal supervisory responsibilities. + Ability to work independently, with no direct supervision. Work Environment The role is based within a chemical laboratory, where lab coats may get dirty with inks. The position involves working alongside other lab technicians in a lab separate from the production line. The schedule is a 2nd shift opportunity, Monday - Thursday, 2:00 PM - 12:30 AM, with initial training on the 1st shift for several months. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kings Mountain, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $26.00/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 Kings Mountain,NC. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Feb 27, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.