E-Coat Lab Tech (1st)

Volvo Group; Kings Mountain (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Volvo Group University

Job summary

Volvo Group in Kings Mountain, NC is seeking an E-Coat Lab Technician to maintain and optimize electrocoating systems, ensuring chemicals, equipment and processes meet quality and environmental standards. Duties include testing, maintenance, data recording, and inventory management in a safety-conscious lab.

The role emphasizes hands-on problem solving, adherence to SOPs, and collaboration with internal teams to support sustainable manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Technical certification or degree in chemistry or related field, or 2+ years in lab/manufacturing/industrial setting.
• Strong ability to troubleshoot issues with mechanical equipment.
• Proficient in performing calculations and using data to adjust processes for accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to interpret analytical lab reports and adjust processes accordingly.
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations, SDS, and safety best practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical testing in pre-treatment and electrocoating systems; ensure parameters meet high-quality standards.
• Add chemicals and paint to maintain optimal electrocoating performance within operating parameters.
• Conduct routine maintenance: cleaning, tank recharging, filter changes for uninterrupted system performance.
• Maintain detailed records of system performance and SPC data; keep documentation up-to-date.
• Monitor inventories of chemicals, test supplies, and equipment to prevent disruptions.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and keep lab and work areas compliant with safety standards.
• Communicate with internal teams, suppliers, and customers, providing clear reports on system performance and maintenance.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Lab testing

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Chemistry-related certification/degree or 2+ years lab/industrial experience

Job description

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next‑gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

What You Will Do

As an E-Coat Lab Technician, you will hold a very important role in the Kings Mountain Operations (KMO) facility. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining and optimizing our electrocoating systems to ensure all chemicals, equipment, and processes meet the highest quality and environmental standards.

Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence will directly support our mission of producing top-quality products in a safe and sustainable environment. If you’re ready to take on hands‑on challenges that make a real impact on our operations, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform chemical testing in various stages of pre-treatment and electrocoating systems. Ensure that chemical and physical parameters are consistently maintained to meet high-quality standards.
• Add chemicals and paint to the systems as needed to maintain optimal performance, ensuring the electrocoating processes remain within required operational parameters.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks including cleaning, recharging tanks, and changing filters to ensure uninterrupted system performance.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records of system performance, including data for statistical process control (SPC). Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and aligned with operational goals.
• Monitor and manage inventories of chemicals, test supplies, and equipment to ensure adequate stock and prevent disruptions in operations.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines, maintaining a clean and safe working environment. Conduct general housekeeping tasks to ensure the lab and work areas remain organized and compliant with safety standards
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, external suppliers, and customers, providing clear verbal and written reports to keep all stakeholders informed of system performance and maintenance.

Required Qualifications (Education, Skills, & Experience)

• High School Diploma or GED
• Technical certification or degree in chemistry or a related field, or at least 2 years of experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, or industrial setting.
• Strong ability to troubleshoot issues with mechanical equipment.
• Proficient in performing mathematical calculations and using data to analyze, interpret, and adjust processes as needed to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to understand analytical laboratory reports, compare results, and make process corrections based on findings.
• Familiarity with general safety practices, including OSHA regulations, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

Preferred Qualifications (if Applicable)

• Experience in electrocoating and chemical analysis preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to lift and carry components weighing up to 50 lbs; team lift or equipment used for heavier items.
• Must be able to climb vertical ladders up to 6 feet in height
• Able to perform fine motor skills associated with lab testing
• This position requires the ability to accurately distinguish and identify colors and coating shades as part of routine inspection and quality control. The ability to visually assess color consistency is an essential function of the job.

Work Environment/Conditions

• Regular exposure to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, and occasional exposure to fumes, dust, or extreme temperatures.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing, and reaching.
• Schedule may include early morning, evening, or weekend shifts based on production needs. Overtime may be required during high volume periods.
• May be designated as essential personnel during plant operational disruptions, planned shutdowns, or emergencies.

At the Volvo Group, we strive for a clear, transparent, and straightforward compensation approach, motivating you to contribute to the company’s growth. For this position, the base pay is set at $21.62 hour, and where applicable, bonus eligible. The range for this role, as well as final salary offered, is determined by several factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, work‑related knowledge, certifications, skills, education, and experience. In addition to these factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.

• Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Competitive matching retirement savings plans.
• Working environment where your safety, health and wellbeing come first.
• Focus on professional and personal development through Volvo Group University.
• Programs that make today’s challenging reality of combining work and personal life easier.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail.

Who We Are And What We Believe In

We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.

Trucks Technology & Industrial Division

Hire team players who are ready to create real customer impact. Our decentralized teams work close to our customers, with speed and autonomy, to build what they truly need.

Join us to collaborate on innovative, sustainable technologies that redefine how we design, build, and deliver value. Bring your curiosity, your expertise, and your collaborative energy, and together, we’ll turn bold ideas into tangible solutions for our customers and contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow.