Materials Chemist

Job Title:

Sr Lab Technician - Material Sciences Job Description This Sr Lab Technician role focuses on hands-on quality control testing and production batch verification for waterborne traffic paint and related coating systems. You will perform a wide range of laboratory tests to ensure product consistency, regulatory compliance, and production efficiency, working closely between the lab and the manufacturing floor in an industrial environment. Responsibilities Conduct routine quality control testing on finished goods and in-process batches for coatings, paints, adhesives, and polymer systems. Perform KU viscosity and ICI viscosity tests to verify proper rheological properties. Execute Hegman grind assessments to evaluate dispersion quality and particle size. Measure weight per gallon (density) to confirm product specifications. Determine percent solids to ensure correct formulation and performance characteristics. Perform pH measurements to monitor product stability and compatibility. Conduct ASTM dry time testing, including no-track and set-to-touch evaluations. Perform scrub resistance and adhesion checks as necessary to verify durability and performance. Accurately document all testing procedures, observations, and results in laboratory records and quality systems. Support daily quality control testing and production batch verification for waterborne traffic paint systems. Collaborate with production personnel to help maintain consistency, compliance with applicable standards, and production efficiency. Work between the laboratory and the manufacturing floor to address quality issues and support smooth operations. Carry out other related laboratory and quality control duties as assigned. Essential Skills Expertise in coating, adhesive, and polymer testing, including practical bench experience. Proficiency in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) within a laboratory or production setting. Experience in quality control processes for coatings, paints, adhesives, or polymer products. Solid understanding of chemistry principles relevant to coatings and polymer systems. Strong proficiency in viscosity testing, including KU viscosity and ICI viscosity methods. Ability to perform and interpret Hegman grind, density, percent solids, pH, dry time, scrub resistance, and adhesion tests. Associate or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related field. At least 2+ years of experience in coatings, paint, adhesives, or polymer laboratory work. Comfort working in an industrial manufacturing environment and moving between lab and production areas. Attention to detail and accuracy in testing and documentation. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with waterborne systems, particularly waterborne traffic paint, is preferred. Hands-on experience with silicone-based coatings, adhesives, or polymers is beneficial. Familiarity with quality control practices specific to coatings, paint, adhesives, polymer, and silicone materials. Ability to follow established GMP and laboratory protocols consistently. Strong reliability and a practical, hands-on approach to laboratory work. Comfort working as a bridge between the laboratory and the manufacturing floor to support production needs. Work Environment This position is based in an industrial manufacturing environment with work performed both in the laboratory and on the production floor. The role follows a Monday-Friday, first-shift schedule, with typical hours around 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and offers a flexible culture where earlier starts are welcomed. You will use standard laboratory equipment and testing instruments for coatings and polymer quality control while collaborating closely with production staff to support efficient operations. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Franklin, MA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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 Franklin,MA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 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.