R&D Color Technician

Role details

As an R&D Color Technician I, you will support the development of color formulations for new product designs. Working closely with the Color Development Engineer and other members of R&D, you will prepare prototype samples, evaluate color and material properties, perform testing, and make adjustments to help achieve required specifications.

This is a hands-on technical role that combines color science, laboratory testing, material processing, problem solving, and detailed recordkeeping. You may also prepare small customer samples of new products and collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, R&D, and external color suppliers.

What You'll Do

• Support color development and formulation activities with consideration for both product quality and cost.
• Perform color matching against OEM color masters and established specifications.
• Produce prototype samples for new product designs and make formulation adjustments based on test results.
• Conduct color and appearance testing on new designs, including color, streaking, and weathering evaluations.
• Perform mechanical and physical testing of new color formulations.
• Operate equipment used in color and material development, including extruders, mixers, injection molding equipment, and color measurement systems.
• Use laboratory and testing equipment such as melt indexers, ash ovens, and spectrophotometers.
• Maintain accurate, organized color development records and technical documentation.
• Support R&D projects and laboratory activities as needed.
• Communicate effectively with Production, Quality Assurance, R&D, Color Development, and other internal teams.
• Communicate with color and material suppliers regarding development needs.
• Assist with equipment calibration, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting as appropriate.
• Follow established laboratory, quality, safety, and environmental procedures.

What We're Looking For

A Hands-On Technical Problem Solver

You enjoy working with materials and equipment, evaluating results, making adjustments, and working through technical problems methodically.

Detail-Oriented and Quality Focused

You understand that accurate formulations, testing, measurements, and documentation are critical to developing consistent, high-quality products.

A Collaborative Team Player

You communicate effectively and work closely with R&D, Production, Quality Assurance, suppliers, and other partners to support product development.

Safety Minded

You take responsibility for working safely, following established procedures, recognizing potential hazards, and supporting a safe laboratory and manufacturing environment.

Adaptable and Dependable

You can manage changing priorities, learn new processes and equipment, and consistently follow through on assigned responsibilities.

Required Skills

• Basic understanding of color theory and color matching principles.
• Ability to distinguish and evaluate color differences as required to perform color-matching responsibilities.
• Ability to perform calculations involving percentages, pounds, and grams.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to work with color measurement software, Microsoft Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment associated with color development, including extruders, injection molding equipment, and color measurement equipment.
• Ability to operate laboratory and material testing equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively across departments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new processes, materials, equipment, and technologies.
• Valid Driver License

Technical Skills

• Color development and formulation.
• OEM color matching.
• Color and appearance measurement.
• Material preparation and processing.
• Extruder and mixer operation.
• Injection molding equipment operation.
• Spectrophotometer and color measurement software.
• Melt index and ash testing equipment.
• Equipment calibration, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Laboratory recordkeeping and technical documentation.
• Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Material science fundamentals.
• Forklift operation, where required for assigned responsibilities.

Experience

• Two years of color-matching experience preferred.
• Previous experience in color development, plastics, polymers, compounding, manufacturing, or a laboratory environment is beneficial.
• Formal color training is a plus.
• Experience operating laboratory, extrusion, injection molding, or color measurement equipment is preferred.

Education & Training

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Additional technical, laboratory, manufacturing, polymer/material science, or color training is a plus.
• Ability to successfully complete job-related color discrimination testing, including the Munsell 100 Hue Test and applicable color vision assessment.

Work Environment

This position performs work in both a manufacturing/process environment and an office or laboratory setting. Noise levels may range from quiet to moderately loud depending on the work area and equipment in operation.

The employee is expected to follow applicable personal protective equipment, laboratory, manufacturing, safety, environmental, and quality requirements while performing assigned duties.