Quality Laboratory Technician (Weekend Shift 11p-11a)

Tarkett; Middlefield (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekend shift pay differential

Benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Tarkett in the United States is seeking a Laboratory Technician for weekend night shifts to support testing of mixed compounds for rubber flooring. You will test batches, correct out-of-spec materials, and assist development testing; cross training as a Colorist adds versatility across the lab.

This role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and collaboration with Quality and Production teams. The weekend schedule is 11:00 PM to 11:00 AM with paid 40 hours for 36 working hours, and optional overtime

Qualifications

• 1+ years in a laboratory and/or manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and data entry.
• Ability to pass a color vision test and discern color variations.
• Able to lift/move up to 50 lbs. and perform physical lab tasks.
• Commitment to safe work practices and detail-oriented documentation.

Responsibilities

• Test all batches of mixed material for rheological properties, color, hardness, tensile, and elongation.
• Conduct additional tests such as Mooney Viscosity, 10% Modulus, Taber Abrasion, specific gravity, and compression set.
• Test incoming raw materials as needed and document deviations in the system.
• Cross-train as Colorist: perform color matches and spectrophotometric analysis.
• Complete shift documentation and communicate findings to Quality and Production teams.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Attention to detail

Color analysis

Independent worker

Microsoft Office

Tools

Spectrophotometer

Mooney Viscometer

Tensile testing equipment

Job description

We are seeking a Laboratory Technician for weekend shift nights who wants to grow within Tarkett. In this position you will have the opportunity to test each batch of compound mixed for Tarkett Rubber Flooring products. This position is also responsible for correcting out of specification batches, development mixing and testing, raw material testing, and finished product testing, as required. The position will also be cross trained as a Colorist for the facility. Weekend shift employees will be on a 36 hour work schedule but will get paid for 40 hours. The shift schedule will be 11:00p-11:00a. There will not be forced overtime for the weekend shift, but will however have volunteer opportunities available to do so.

Major Responsibilities

• Lab Activities (70%):
  • Test all batches of mixed material – Testing will include the following: rheological properties, color, hardness, tensile, elongation
  • Test mixed batches for additional tests, including Mooney Viscosity, 10% Modulus, Taber Abrasion, Specific Gravity, and Compression Set
  • Test incoming raw materials as needed. Tests may include moisture, color, Mooney Viscosity, PAH checks, and FTIR
  • Correct batches that are out of specification and enter deviation formulas into information management system
  • Prepare materials and test developmental compounds. Additional testing not already mentioned would include: Tread Abrader testing, Taber Scratch testing, and accelerated heat testing
  • Perform any other similar activities as specified
  • Complete required shift documentation and communicate findings to other Quality Members, Team Leaders, and other Team Members in the facility
• Colorist Activities (20%) – The Lab Technician Will Be Cross Trained as a Colorist:
  • Perform color matches for new products, existing products, and sample department with minimal supervision
  • Analyze and confirm color of manufactured material using a spectrophotometer
  • Perform quality control testing of manufactured material using standard operating procedures to ensure that the quality of color meets both internal and external specifications
  • Correct off color material so that it meets required specifications
  • Assist other lab associates and departments to investigate and resolve color issues in the plant
  • Understand pigment types and optimal pigment systems
• Additional Activities (10%):
  • Safety is a top priority, perform all duties in a safe manner. Document unsafe acts as required
  • Identify opportunities for improvements throughout the laboratory and complete Quick Kaizens as appropriate
  • Facilitate good housekeeping practices within the plant and laboratory
  • Create One Point Lessons and Standard Operating Procedures as needed
  • Participate in problem solving and root cause analysis teams as needed
  • Additional responsibilities as needed

Requirements

• 1+ years in a laboratory and/or manufacturing environment
• Ability to use Microsoft Office
• Self-driven and possess the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision
• Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to pass a color blindness test and discern variations in color
• Must be flexible on work schedule and able to work variable hours. This may include temporary coverage of different work schedules with adequate notice
• Conform to safe work practices within the facility
• Ability to lift or move product or material weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Physical requirements to perform essential job functions include frequent laboratory and plant floor activities which include kneeling, stooping, and bending

Your skills we value

• Self-driven and possess the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Possess a collaborative and customer focused attitude
• Proven track record of promoting a safety-driven culture
• Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Meticulous and organized, with the ability to multi-task
• You have the ability to pass a color blindness test and discern variations in color
• You have the ability to work in a laboratory and manufacturing environment including frequent walking, kneeling, stooping, bending, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds

Experience & Education Desired

• 1+ years of experience in a laboratory or manufacturing environment (rubber or plastics environment a plus)
• Execute laboratory testing according to standard operating procedures
• Recording tests and analyses and then reporting results
• Analytical and numerical abilities to perform mathematical calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) in different units of measurement; ability to use concepts such as fractions, percentages, and ratio
• Ability to use Microsoft Office
• Ability to operate equipment in a laboratory environment; rubber or plastics laboratory experience is beneficial

What We Offer

• A commitment that Safety is #1 Competitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options! Career growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.
• Responsible Manufacturing – Protecting Our Planet for the Future. We utilize renewable energy and a closed loop recycled water process. We are committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and water consumption. We are the only flooring company recognized by the Asthma and Allergy foundation.

Who we are

With a history of more than 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sport surface solutions, generating turnover of €3.3 billion in 2025. The Group has close to 12,000 employees, 25 R&D centers, 8 recycling centers and 33 production sites. Tarkett creates and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, stores and sports fields, serving customers in over 100 countries. To build “The Way to Better Floors,” the Group is committed to circular economy and sustainability, in line with its Tarkett Human-Conscious Design® approach.

Tarkett is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences and promote an inclusive workplace where all employees can perform at their best. As a worldwide leader of the flooring industry, we design, manufacture and provide our customers the most innovative and sustainable flooring and sports surface solutions. At Tarkett, we cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship with respect and trust. We make conscious choices, for people and for the planet and we commit to be next to your every step of the way. At Tarkett we help create great spaces. We believe in taking care of our people, our customers and our planet. We believe in being agile and performance-driven in everything that we do in order to find the best flooring and sports surface solutions.

https://www.tarkett.com/