Applications Lab Technician / Coatings Technician

Kelly; Apex (NC); On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

No relocation assistance

Direct Hire

Job summary

Kelly is seeking an Applications Lab Technician in Apex, NC to support product development and customer-focused testing in a specialty materials environment. You will work with R&D, Technical Sales, and cross-functional teams to prepare coating formulations, conduct application trials, and document results for customer projects and product innovation.

This is a direct hire role with full benefits, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, salary around $60,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on coatings, formulation, color matching, processing procedures, quality testing, or technical service experience preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Prepare coating formulations and apply materials to customer-provided substrates.
• Perform coating applications at lab or pilot scale using spray, gravure, dip/nip, pad bath, or similar methods.
• Conduct testing on finished materials to evaluate properties, color, flammability, and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D, technical teams, and customers to support product development.
• Present findings and communicate project results to internal teams and customers.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, project documentation, test results, and files.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace.
• Support customer trials and provide professional technical interaction during evaluations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Coatings experience

Formulation

Color matching

Quality testing

Technical service

Communication

Organization

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry or related fields

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Job description

Description

Applications Lab Technician / Coatings Technician

We are seeking an Applications Lab Technician to support product development and customer-focused testing within a specialty materials environment. This role will work closely with R&D, Technical Sales, and cross-functional teams to prepare coating formulations, conduct application trials, perform testing, and document results to support customer projects and product innovation.

Location: Apex NC
Salary: $60,000/year
Direct Hire role, full benefits, no relocation assistance
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare coating formulations and apply materials to customer-provided substrates.
• Perform coating applications at laboratory or pilot scale using methods such as spray, gravure, dip/nip, pad bath, or similar techniques.
• Conduct testing on finished materials to evaluate physical properties, color/aesthetics, flammability, and customer-specific requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D, technical teams, and customers to support product development initiatives.
• Present findings and communicate project results to internal teams and customers.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, project documentation, test results, and technical files.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace.
• Support customer trials and provide professional technical interaction during evaluations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with coatings, formulation, color matching, processing procedures, quality testing, or technical service is preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and collaborate within a team environment.
• Basic computer skills required; proficiency with Microsoft Office preferred. SAP experience is a plus.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs intermittently.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to adjust application equipment is preferred.
• Must be detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a hands-on technical environment.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.

Why Kelly Science & Clinical?
Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life - just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.