Lab Tech Intern - Paint & Coatings

Vibrantz Technologies Inc.; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Vibrantz Technologies Inc. in Cleveland, OH, is seeking a Laboratory Technician Intern to support paint and coatings manufacturing operations. You will assist with sample preparation, testing, documentation, and product development activities under supervision.

You will gain hands-on experience with formulation, laboratory testing, raw materials, and quality practices while developing technical, analytical, and safety skills alongside experienced coating professionals.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or recently completed a relevant science degree.
• Knowledge of lab safety and chemical handling.
• Ability to follow testing procedures and document results.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping.
• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word).

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and batching of paint and coating samples according to established formulas and procedures
• Perform routine laboratory testing, including viscosity, density, color, gloss, adhesion, and dry‑time evaluations
• Prepare test panels and substrates for coating application and performance assessment
• Record test data, observations, and results accurately while maintaining laboratory documentation and sample records
• Support laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, organizing work areas, handling raw materials, and following safety and quality requirements

Skills

Chemistry

Laboratory safety

Procedures follow-through

Attention to detail

Excel

Education

Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science (degree)

Job description

About Vibrantz Technologies

Vibrantz Technologies is a leading global provider of specialty chemicals and materials solutions whose purpose is to bring color, performance, and vibrancy to life. Every day, our employees, the products we make, and our valued customer partnerships are inspired by this purpose.

Serving over 11,000 customers, Vibrantz’s technologies are trusted in a variety of advanced materials, color solutions and performance coatings applications and consumer products. We are experts in particle engineering, glass and ceramic science and color technology. Our technologies are used in small amounts to make big impacts on applications and consumer products, including durable vehicles and batteries, easier-to-clean appliances, energy efficient roof titles and bricks, stronger and more decorative glass, and echo-friendly paints.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Vibrantz has over 50 manufacturing facilities and sales offices on six continents, and we employe 4,500 individuals. Our shared culture is rooted strongly in our four core values that focus on winning with customers, striving for excellence, championing people, and doing the right thing.

Vibrantz is owned by American Securities, a leading U.S. private equity firm that invests in market-leading North American companies with annual revenue generally ranging from $200 million to $2 billion and/or $50 million to $200 million of EBITDA. American Securities and its affiliates have approximately $23 Billion under management and are based in New York with an office in Shanghai.

For more information, please visit www.vibrantz.com and www.american-securities.com

Location

Cleveland, OH

Total Rewards

We offer comprehensive total rewards packages including base pay, variable incentive programs, 401K, medical, dental, vision, life & disability and variety of well-being resources that meet the needs of our diverse workforce. Union benefits are governed by the applicable collective bargaining unit agreement.

$15.07 - $18.84

Vibrantz is committed to maintaining pay transparency in accordance with applicable laws and best practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on a combination of factors, including education, professional certifications, relevant experience, and other job-related considerations permitted by law.

Role Overview

The Laboratory Technician Intern supports laboratory operations within a paint and coatings manufacturing environment through sample preparation, testing, documentation, and product development activities. This role assists with coating formulation support, physical and performance testing, and laboratory processes while contributing to quality control and product development initiatives.

This role offers several learning opportunities, including hands‑on experience with paint and coatings formulation, laboratory testing, raw materials, and manufacturing quality practices. The intern will also have opportunities to develop technical, analytical, and safety skills while working alongside experienced laboratory and coatings professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and batching of paint and coating samples according to established formulas and procedures


• Perform routine laboratory testing, including viscosity, density, color, gloss, adhesion, and dry‑time evaluations


• Prepare test panels and substrates for coating application and performance assessment


• Record test data, observations, and results accurately while maintaining laboratory documentation and sample records


• Support laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, organizing work areas, handling raw materials, and following safety and quality requirements

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field


• Basic understanding of laboratory safety practices and chemical handling procedures


• Ability to follow detailed procedures, work instructions, and testing protocols


• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately record and communicate test results


• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, or similar applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior laboratory coursework or experience in coatings, chemicals, or manufacturing environments


• Familiarity with paint and coatings concepts, including pigments, resins, additives, and solvents


• Exposure to quality systems or regulated manufacturing environments


• Mechanical aptitude and strong hands‑on problem‑solving skills

Vibrantz is committed to protecting your privacy. We provide a Website Privacy Policy located on our www.vibrantz.com site to explain the type of information we collect and inform you of the specific practices and guidelines that protect the security and confidentiality of your personal data. Please read that pocky carefully. If any term in the policy is unacceptable to you, please do not use the Website or provide any personal data. This policy may change from time to time (see Revisions to our Privacy Policy on www.vibrantz.com).

Vibrantz Technologies Inc. (“Vibrantz”) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Vibrantz strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, cree, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex gender, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state or local law.