Quality Lab Technician (2nd Shift)

Kymera International; Brassfield (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kymera International is seeking a 2nd Shift Lab Technician to perform laboratory testing, inspections, and analysis of copper powder products and raw materials to ensure compliance with customer specifications and internal requirements. You will support production by providing timely quality data, identifying nonconforming materials, and assisting with corrective actions.

The role requires strong attention to detail, safe lab practices, and collaboration with the Quality Engineer and production

Qualifications

• : High School Diploma or GED required.
• :
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• :
• Minimum 1–3 years of quality laboratory experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• :
• Experience with precision measuring instruments and laboratory testing equipment.
• :
• Ability to read and interpret specifications, work instructions, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Actively support and promote safety culture and initiatives.
• Collect and analyze raw material, in-process, and finished product samples.
• Perform physical, chemical, and metallurgical testing on copper powder products.
• Conduct particle size distribution, density, flow rate, moisture, and other quality assessments.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and record data.
• Review test results against specifications and control plans.
• Collaborate with production to ensure quality product is manufactured.
• Investigate quality issues, help with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Conduct incoming and final inspections of materials and finished goods.
• Maintain calibration records and assist with audits and quality system tasks.

Skills

Lab safety practices

Follow procedures

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Quality issue identification

Safety hazard reporting

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Excel

LIMS

ERP systems

Job description

Position: 2nd Shift Lab Technician

Reports to: Quality Engineer

Work Location: RTP - Plant

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

At Kymera, the 2nd Shift Quality Lab Technician is responsible for conducting laboratory testing, inspections, and analysis of copper and other specialty metal powder products, raw materials, and production samples to ensure compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and internal manufacturing requirements. This position supports production operations by providing timely and accurate quality data, identifying nonconforming materials, and assisting with corrective actions to maintain product quality and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively support and promote the company's safety culture by leading through example, participating in safety initiatives, and continuously seeking opportunities to improve workplace safety.
• Collect and analyze raw material, in-process, and finished product samples according to established testing procedures.
• Perform physical, chemical, and metallurgical testing on copper powder products.
• Conduct particle size distribution testing, density testing, flow rate testing, moisture analysis, and other applicable quality assessments.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment including sieves, balances, microscopes, flow testing equipment, density measurement devices, and analytical instruments.
• Review test results and compare findings to product specifications and control plans.
• Accurately record test data and maintain laboratory documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Work closely with 2nd shift operators, ensuring quality product is manufactured.
• Communicate nonconforming results promptly to production, quality, and management teams.
• Assist in investigations of product quality issues, customer complaints, and process deviations.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Perform incoming inspection of raw materials and verify supplier quality requirements.
• Conduct final inspection and release of finished products for shipment.
• Maintain calibration records and ensure laboratory equipment remains in proper working order.
• Assist with internal audits, customer audits, and quality system compliance activities.
• Follow all safety procedures, environmental requirements, and housekeeping standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing defects and improving process capability.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and work instructions while performing laboratory and production-related testing activities.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and housekeeping standards to reduce safety risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Ensure proper collection, labeling, storage, and disposal of copper powder samples and waste materials in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Train and oversee work from newly hired lab technicians.

Qualifications

• MUST BE ABLE TO WORK A 2nd SHIFT SCHEDULE, 4 PM - 2 AM Monday - Thursday, with occasional extra shifts as requested.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and adherence to established safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of safe laboratory practices, chemical handling procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 1-3 years of quality laboratory experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience using precision measuring instruments and laboratory testing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret specifications, work instructions, technical documents, and quality standards.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing and documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to analyze data and identify trends or abnormalities.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in powder metallurgy, metal powders, copper manufacturing, or specialty materials production preferred.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and quality data analysis.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or ERP systems.
• Understanding of metallurgical testing methods and material characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain reliable and consistent attendance and punctuality in support of production schedules, quality testing requirements, and operational objectives.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and quality control principles.
• Ability to follow written procedures with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with production, engineering, maintenance, and management teams.
• Ability to identify potential quality concerns and elevate appropriately.
• Ability to identify safety hazards and report in a timely manner.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent use of hands for testing, sampling, and laboratory work.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and respirators/dust masks when required.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to dust, noise, heat, and industrial equipment.

Work Environment

• This position operates in both a laboratory and manufacturing environment within a copper powder production facility. The Quality Lab Technician routinely works around production equipment, metal powders, industrial machinery, chemicals, and laboratory testing instruments. The work environment may include exposure to dust, noise, heat, vibration, moving mechanical parts, and other industrial conditions.
• The employee is required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear, and respiratory protection when necessary. Strict adherence to all safety, environmental, and quality standards is required.
• The Quality Lab Technician must be able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality and attention to detail. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential to support production schedules, laboratory operations, and customer requirements.