Lab Specialist

Kids for the Future; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life & AD&D insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid holidays

Job summary

SATO America LLC is seeking a detail-oriented Quality Lab Specialist in Charlotte, NC. This on-site role supports testing of labels, tags, and ribbons, and ensures compliance with GLP and ISO 17025 wherever applicable.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in a lab setting, an Associate degree, and strong data analysis skills to drive quality improvements and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college; or 1–3 years related lab experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in a laboratory testing environment.
• Experience supporting quality, product validation, or customer-driven quality requirements.
• Experience in label manufacturing, RFID, printing, or related technologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform and coordinate laboratory testing according to approved protocols, procedures, and applicable standards.
• Review incoming material documentation (COA/COC) and support supplier Certificate of Conformance program.
• Maintain calibration schedules and ensure traceability to recognized standards.
• Provide analytical data to support nonconforming product and generate thorough reports.
• Maintain accurate lab records and support document control for lab procedures.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Data analysis

GLP & ISO 17025 familiarity

Attention to detail

Communication across teams

Education

Associate degree in a science

Tools

Calibration equipment

Job description

• Location 14125 South Bridge Circle,Charlotte, NC, 28273,United States
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt

SATO America is seeking a detail-orientated, service-focused, Quality Lab Specialist.

At SATO America, LLC our mission is to create new value for our customers through products and services of superior quality and to contribute towards a better and more sustainable world.In over 80 years, SATO has fostered a culture of professionalism and customer-centric innovation with an unchanging mission of value creation for customers that, in turn, contributes to a more sustainable world.Do you have what it takes to be our customer’s most trusted partner for mutual growth, and always essential in an ever-changing world? If so, look no further. We have a place for you.

SUMMARY:

SATO America is a well-renowned manufacturer of labels and tags offering printing and software solutions. This role will support testing of labels, tags and ribbons.

The Lab Specialist supports product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction by performing and coordinating laboratory testing activities. The role ensures lab operations align with the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and customer requirements. The position supports incoming material verification, product specification support, validation testing, and data-based disposition of nonconforming product while maintaining calibration, traceability, and laboratory compliance standards.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Laboratory Testing & Compliance

• Perform and coordinate laboratory testing according to approved protocols, procedures, and applicable standards.
• Perform product assessment of labeling performance per requests.
• Perform assessment of products using printing solutions per requests.
• Maintain an inspection-ready laboratory environment, including documentation and controls consistent with GLP and recognized standards (ISO 17025 principles where applicable).

Incoming Materials & Product Specifications

• Review incoming material documentation (COA/COC) and support the Supplier Certificate of Conformance program.
• Evaluate material test results and support creation/revision of product specifications using data, supplier inputs, and customer requirements.

Calibration, Traceability & Equipment Readiness

• Maintain calibration schedules, verify equipment condition, and ensure traceability to recognized standards with current, accurate calibration records specific to lab
• Support basic troubleshooting and coordinate with equipment manufacturers/service providers as needed.

Nonconforming Product Support

• Provide analytical data to support internal and/or external non-conforming product and provide a thorough report on analysis
• Support validation and verification studies for new or modified products; analyze data and provide data-based recommendations.

Documentation & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Maintain accurate lab records (test records, calibration logs, SDSs, manuals, and compliance documentation) and support document control for lab procedures and work instructions.
• Collaborate with multiple departments not limited to Label Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Suppliers, and Hardware division as needed to meet QMS and customer requirements.

QUALIFICATION:

Education And/or Experience:

• Associate degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college; or one to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience environment required.
• 3–5 years of experience in laboratory testing environment.
• Experience supporting quality, product validation, or customer-driven quality requirements.
• Experience in label manufacturing, RFID, printing, or related technologies is a plus.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical testing knowledge; able to interpret technical data and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and sound judgment in conforming/nonconforming decisions.
• Experience with calibration systems and traceability controls.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; comfort working with laboratory documentation and data and presentation of data.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across functions in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Primarily office and laboratory environment with regular entry into production areas; exposure to manufacturing noise and moving equipment. PPE required.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform fine motor tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 30lbs.
• Low travel requirements but may require extra hours based on customer/business demands.
• This position is required to be on-site during normal hours of operations.

Quality Commitment

This position supports the integrity of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and contributes to a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

SATO America LLC offers a highly competitive salary in addition to an outstanding, market-leading benefits program. SATO’s total compensation package extends well beyond your paycheck as it's designed to support and enrich your personal and professional life. See our benefit line-up below:

Health & Wellness: medical, vision, and dental insurance to include coverage for domestic partners. SATO contributes approximately 75% to the cost of employees’ health insurance coverage along with 100% company paid Life & AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a pre-tax Health Savings Account with an employer contribution of $500.00 or $1,000.00 depending on elected medical coverage.

Time Away: We observe 10 company-paid holidays per year and up to ten (10) days accrued vacation time in the first year. Eleven (11) days at year two (2). Twelve (12) days at year three (3). Thirteen (13) days at year four (4) and fifteen (15) days at year five (5). We also offer six (6) accrued personal days for you to use for things like weddings, moving, mental health, religious holiday, sick child or for anything that is truly personal.

Saving for the Future: plan for your short-term and long-term goals with our 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match with no vesting schedule. You are fully vested on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. SATO will match 100%/dollar-for-dollar of your 401(k)-deferral amount of the first 3% of your pay and an additional match of 50%/$.50 on the next 2% of your pay. For example, if you defer 5% of your pay into the 401(k) Plan, SATO will make a 4% matching contribution.

Work-Life: we offer an Employee Assistance Program for employees and eligible family members, career development, growth opportunities, and referral bonuses.

SATO America LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. If you are excited about this role but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply.We are focused on creating and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. SATO America LLC's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.