Lab Technician

Burlington Industries; Dunean (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Burlington Industries’ Innovation Center seeks a hands-on laboratory professional to conduct physical, chemical, and performance testing of high-performance textile fabrics. You will prepare samples, operate instruments, record data, and support applied research guiding product development.

Collaborating with scientists and engineers, you will maintain meticulous records, ensure safety, and help move research from lab to real-world applications while working in a dynamic manufacturing

Qualifications

• Must have an associate's degree in chemistry or a related science.
• 3–5 years of industry or academic research and laboratory testing experience.
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Strong organizational, planning, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to read, understand, and execute written test procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical and performance tests on textile fabrics using laboratory equipment and standard test methods.
• Support research and development projects involving high-performance materials and textile applications.
• Prepare samples, apply chemicals, dye fabrics, and evaluate color and material performance as needed.
• Record, analyze, and report test results accurately and on schedule.
• Review data and reports for accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and testing equipment.
• Follow written test procedures, work instructions, safety requirements, and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing partners while also managing assigned work independently.
• Maintain organized laboratory records, correspondence, and supporting documentation.

Education

Associate's degree in chemistry or related field

3–5 years lab/testing experience

Job description

Turn science into materials that perform.

Join our Innovation Center laboratory supporting Elevate Textile's Burlington and Safety Components product brands and help advance the next generation of high-performance textile fabrics. In this hands-on role, you will conduct physical, chemical, and performance testing, support applied research projects, and generate reliable data that guides product development. This is an exciting opportunity for a curious, detail-oriented laboratory professional who enjoys solving problems, working with specialized equipment, and seeing research move from the lab toward real-world applications.

What You'll Do

• Perform physical and performance tests on textile fabrics using a wide range of laboratory equipment and established test methods.
• Support research and development projects involving high-performance materials and textile applications.
• Prepare samples, apply chemicals, dye fabrics, and evaluate color and material performance as needed.
• Record, analyze, and report test results accurately and on schedule.
• Review data and reports for accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and testing equipment.
• Follow written test procedures, work instructions, safety requirements, and applicable operating procedures.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, laboratory colleagues, and manufacturing partners while also managing assigned work independently.
• Maintain organized laboratory records, correspondence, and supporting documentation.

What You Bring

• Associate's degree in chemistry or another science-related field.
• Three to five years of industry or academic research and laboratory testing experience.
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Strong organizational, planning, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to read, understand, and execute written test procedures.
• Working knowledge of percentages, decimals, and pre-algebra.
• Clear verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with appropriate manager coordination and contribute effectively as part of a scientific team.
• Safety-focused approach and willingness to work in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.

Preferred Experience

• Textile laboratory, manufacturing, or materials-testing experience.
• College-level coursework in chemistry or mathematics.
• Experience with fabric testing, chemical application, dyeing, or color assessment.
• Interest in growing into greater project ownership or leading laboratory projects.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This role combines laboratory bench work, computer-based reporting, and movement throughout an active facility. Team members may stand for extended periods, walk frequently, bend, reach, and lift materials weighing up to 25 pounds. The position requires near visual acuity to read instruments, inspect samples, and evaluate test results. Appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, is required when working with equipment or chemicals.

Why Join Us?

You will work in an Innovation Center environment where rigorous testing and creative research come together. Your work will help shape textile solutions for demanding, high-performance applications while giving you exposure to diverse methods, advanced laboratory equipment, and cross-functional development projects.

Ready to bring your laboratory experience to textile innovation?

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.