Paint Quality Lab Technician in Gastonia, North Carolina at Industrical Fabricators

The Paint Quality Lab Technician is responsible for performing laboratory inspections, tests, and evaluations of painted components to ensure compliance with IFAB's quality standards, customer requirements, and industry specifications. This role supports the paint department by validating coating performance, conducting defect analysis, and maintaining accurate laboratory documentation.

• Perform laboratory testing on painted parts, including adhesion tests, thickness measurements (DFT), gloss levels, hardness, and color matching.
• Conduct incoming material inspections for paint, chemicals, and coatings.
• Inspect painted components for defects such as runs, sags, fisheyes, orange peel, contamination, or poor coverage.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (micrometers, thickness gauges, gloss meters, viscosity cups, ovens, etc.).
• Record test results, prepare inspection reports, and update laboratory logs with accuracy.
• Support root-cause analysis on paint defects and assist in corrective action implementation.
• Work closely with Paint Supervisors and Quality Engineers to resolve paint-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with paint specifications, customer requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Maintain 5S and safety requirements within the quality lab.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance paint quality and reduce defects.

• High school diploma required; technical training or associate degree in Quality, Chemistry, Coatings, or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in paint inspection, laboratory testing, or quality control (paint environment preferred).
• Knowledge of coating processes, paint defects, and basic chemistry concepts (preferred).
• Ability to read technical specifications and paint standard sheets.
• Familiarity with testing equipment: DFT gauges, gloss meters, adhesion tools, microscopes, etc.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify visual and structural paint defects.
• Good communication and documentation skills.
• Basic computer skills for reporting (Excel, data entry, quality systems).

• Ability to stand, walk, and inspect parts for prolonged periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25–30 lbs.
• Work near paint materials, chemicals, and coatings (PPE provided).