QC Technician

IP Corporation; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Generous PTO

401(k) with company match

Job summary

IP Corporation is seeking an experienced Quality Control Laboratory Technician for our gelcoat plant in Hickory, North Carolina. You will perform required testing on production batches to ensure quality specifications are met and will work 5:00am–3:30pm, Monday–Thursday, with overtime as needed.

The role requires college-level science/math training or QC lab experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for long shifts.

Qualifications

• College-level science and/or math training or QC/lab experience in the chemical industry.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Self-starter with ability to work with minimal direction.
• Strong computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, email).
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Must wear PPE (safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, hard hat, gloves, respirator when appropriate).
• Must be able to identify and distinguish colors.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and stand a 10‑hour shift.
• Color matching/spectrophotometer experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety rules and best practices in the lab.
• Ensure product quality by testing production batches before shipment.
• Multi-task, stay organized and prioritize tasks to meet schedules.
• Approve raw materials and perform QC testing on specified materials.
• Collaborate with QA Manager, Shift Supervisors and Research Chemists to resolve issues.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Self-starter

Computer skills

Analytical & troubleshooting

PPE compliance

Color discernment

Lift 50 lbs

Stand 10‑hour shift

Education

College-level training in science and/or math

Tools

Spectrophotometer

Color matching

Job description

HK Research is America’s leading gel coat company. As the industry’s leading expert, HK Research incorporates the best new technology, productivity and efficiency to meet the U.S.’s growing demand for gel coats.

We have an opening for an experienced Quality Control Laboratory Technician at our Gelcoat plant located in Hickory, North Carolina. This position will perform all required testing on production batches to ensure quality specifications are met.

Shift

5:00am – 3:30pm Monday – Thursday

What you can expect to do as a QC Tech

• Safety - Follow safety rules and encouragement of safe practices in the workplace. Responsible for performing lab duties in accordance with standard safe laboratory practices.
• Quality – Ultimate responsibility of ensuring a product is not released for shipment unless all specifications are met, or proper authorizations have been obtained.
• Productivity – Ability to multi‑task, demonstrate strong organizational skills, and correctly prioritize tasks. This is critical to utilizing plant resources efficiently and meeting delivery schedules, while maintaining quality standards.
• Responsible for approving raw materials and performing quality control testing on selected raw materials where specified.
• Works closely with the Quality Control Manager, the Shift Supervisors and Research Chemists to resolve specification issues, troubleshooting new formulations, and optimizing processing variables.
• Overtime as assigned, including Friday and Saturday as necessary.

Reasonable Accommodations

The Company complies with all disability laws. Be aware, however, that “an Employer never has to reallocate essential job functions as reasonable accommodation, but can do so if it wishes.” The Company reserves the right.

What We Are Looking For in a QC Technician

• College-level training in science and/or math, or quality control/lab experience in the chemical industry.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Must be a self‑starter and be able to work with minimal direction.
• Strong computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, email, etc.)
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills and experience.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, hard hat, gloves and respirator when appropriate.
• Must be able to identify and distinguish colors (cannot be color blind).
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work and stand a 10‑hour shift.
• Color matching, spectrophotometer experience preferred.

Why Join IP Corporation

• Be part of a stable, privately held organization with long-term market presence.
• Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous PTO, and 401(k) with company match.
• Opportunity to grow and make an impact in a collaborative environment.

IP Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage diversity in the workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.