Lab Technician (Contract)

NPAA; Lansing (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Inc. invites applications for an entry-level temporary position in our color laboratory.

You will assist the Technical Color Team with sample prep, QC testing, and color evaluations, gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced automotive coatings environment. The role emphasizes safety, adherence to procedures, and teamwork, with opportunities to develop color formulation skills and contribute to ongoing projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Experience in a chemical laboratory preferred.
• Able to handle paints and chemicals, using required PPE.
• Ability and desire to learn and improve.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Basic computer skills (office/Word/Excel).

Responsibilities

• Prepare 1–30+ gallon paint samples and perform basic to advanced QC testing as skills develop.
• Spray panels in a laboratory environment for testing and color evaluation.
• Perform basic to advanced color evaluations using visual methods and colorimeters.
• Develop the ability to make increasingly complex color adjustments, including modifying existing formulations and creating new colors.
• Stock materials and maintain laboratory equipment to support team productivity.
• Support production with trial scale-ups and assist with basic problem resolution (e.g., STCAT/Pilot).
• Interface with suppliers to stay informed on market trends and opportunities.
• Utilize computer software programs to manage experimental data and complete job functions.
• Follow internal procedures related to 5S, safety, and compliance.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Willingness to learn

Attention to detail

Strong work ethic

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Colorimeter

Job description

Nippon Paint Automotive Americas (NPAA) is seeking a motivated and dependable individual to join our team in a temporary position . This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while supporting the day-to-day needs of our organization.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate a strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with others. The position will provide an opportunity to contribute to NPAA’s operations while gaining hands‑on experience and exposure to a professional manufacturing environment.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is an entry-level position responsible for assisting the Technical Color Team in meeting the customers’ demands and helping ensure that NPAA remains the market leader in automotive coatings. The Technician will be required to perform tasks in a safe manner and follow procedures as instructed, gaining speed and accuracy over time.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare 1–30+ gallon paint samples and perform basic to advanced QC testing as skills develop
• Spray panels in a laboratory environment for testing and color evaluation
• Perform basic to advanced color evaluations using visual methods and colorimeters as skills develop
• Develop the ability to make increasingly complex color adjustments, including modifying existing formulations and creating new colors
• Stock materials and maintain laboratory equipment to support team productivity
• Support production with trial scale-ups and assist with basic problem resolution (e.g., STCAT/Pilot)
• Interface with suppliers to stay informed on market trends and opportunities
• Utilize computer software programs to manage experimental data and complete job functions
• Follow internal procedures related to 5S, safety, and compliance

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma required.
• Experience working in a chemical laboratory preferred.
• Able to handle paints and chemicals, including isocyanates, using required PPE.
• Ability and desire to learn and improve.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Basic computer Skills, office/word/excel

SALARY RANGE:

$19.12 to $28.32 hourly. Compensation for this role is negotiable based on experience and skill set.

Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.