Research Development Laboratory Technician

Capstone Search Advisors; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Capstone Search Advisors is seeking an experienced R&D Lab Technician for a leading paint and coatings manufacturer in Akron, OH. This hands-on role supports formulation development, product improvement, and testing in a manufacturing setting.

You will assist chemists, prepare batches, perform physical and performance tests, and help scale up formulations for manufacturing trials. Attention to detail and strong measurement skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical education in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field.
• High school diploma with relevant laboratory or coatings experience will also be considered.
• 5+ years of laboratory, formulation, coatings, chemical manufacturing, or related experience preferred.
• Experience with paints, coatings, adhesives, polymers, resins, inks, or similar formulated products is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist R&D chemists and technical personnel with development and modification of paint and coating formulations.
• Prepare laboratory-scale batches and accurately weigh, measure, and blend raw materials.
• Conduct physical and performance testing of coatings and formulations per established procedures.
• Evaluate properties such as viscosity, color, gloss, adhesion, hardness, and dry time.
• Document test results, formulation changes, observations, and data accurately.
• Support scale-up activities by preparing samples and collecting data for manufacturing trials.
• Maintain organized laboratory work areas, equipment, samples, and raw material inventories.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments used in formulation and testing.
• Follow established laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and quality standards.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Formulation development

Measurement & weighing

Documentation & records

Education

Chemistry/Materials degree or technical education

High school with coatings experience

Job description

Capstone Search Advisors is working on behalf of a leading paint and coatings manufacturer in the Akron, Ohio area to identify an experienced R&D Lab Technician to support formulation development and product improvement initiatives.

This is a hands-on laboratory position ideal for someone who enjoys working with formulations, conducting testing, troubleshooting product performance, and supporting chemists and R&D personnel in a manufacturing environment. The R&D Lab Technician will assist with the development, modification, and testing of paint and coating formulations while maintaining accurate laboratory records and ensuring testing is performed safely and consistently.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist R&D chemists and technical personnel with the development and modification of paint and coating formulations.
• Prepare laboratory-scale batches and accurately weigh, measure, and blend raw materials.
• Conduct physical and performance testing of coatings and formulations according to established procedures.
• Evaluate properties such as viscosity, color, gloss, adhesion, hardness, dry time, coverage, and other relevant performance characteristics.
• Document test results, formulation changes, observations, and experimental data accurately.
• Assist with troubleshooting formulation and product performance issues.
• Support scale‑up activities by preparing samples and collecting data for manufacturing trials.
• Maintain organized laboratory work areas, equipment, samples, and raw material inventories.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments used in formulation and product testing.
• Follow established laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Assist with raw material evaluation and testing of new or alternative materials.
• Compare test results and help identify trends or opportunities for formulation improvements.
• Prepare samples for internal evaluation, customer testing, and production trials.
• Work closely with R&D, Quality, Production, and other departments to support product development and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical education in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field preferred.
• High school diploma with relevant laboratory or coatings experience will also be considered.
• 5+ years of laboratory, formulation, coatings, chemical manufacturing, or related experience preferred.
• Experience with paints, coatings, adhesives, polymers, resins, inks, or similar formulated products is highly desirable.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise laboratory procedures.
• Comfortable working with chemicals and laboratory equipment.
• Basic understanding of chemistry, formulation principles, and laboratory testing.
• Strong math and measurement skills, including the ability to accurately calculate weights, percentages, ratios, and formulation adjustments.
• Ability to accurately document experimental results and maintain organized records.