3rd Shift Quality Control Lab Technician

Quality Control Lab Technician

Location: Quad – Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) Facility, Hartford, WI

Pay: $20.00 – $25.00 / hour, based on relevant experience, education, and technical skills

Shift:

• Night Shift | 7:00 pm – 7:00 am
• Monday–Wednesday
• Consistent three-day workweek

Education/Experience Required: A two-year technical degree in Chemistry, Quality Control, or a comparable scientific field is required. Relevant experience in the ink, paint, coatings, chemical, or materials industry may be considered for candidates who demonstrate a strong level of technical knowledge.

Please Note: This position is located at Quad's Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) facility in Hartford, WI—not the Quad print manufacturing campus off Highway 60.

Build the Products Behind the Products

Every day, millions of people see the printed products Quad manufactures across North America. Behind the color and quality of those products are the specialized inks developed and manufactured at Quad's Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) facility.

CR/T is Quad's ink dispersion manufacturing operation, producing specialized inks and related materials that support our nationwide printing network. Our laboratory team plays an important role in that process—ensuring inks and raw materials meet exacting standards for color, consistency, and performance.

If you enjoy hands-on science, working with color, and seeing how laboratory testing directly impacts a finished product, this is an opportunity to put your technical skills to work in a unique manufacturing environment.

Position Summary

Quad is seeking a Quality Control Lab Technician to join our CR/T team in Hartford, Wisconsin.

In this role, you'll perform quality control testing and color matching on printing inks and raw materials. You'll use laboratory instrumentation to measure physical properties, visually evaluate color, prepare and test samples, and help ensure materials meet established specifications before they're used in production.

You'll also work with solvents, powders, resins, pigments, substrates, and printed materials while gaining valuable experience in ink quality, color science, materials testing, and industrial laboratory practices.

What You'll Do

• Perform quality control testing on printing inks and raw materials.
• Evaluate and match ink color using laboratory instrumentation and visual assessment.
• Measure physical properties and compare results against established specifications.
• Weigh, mix, prepare, and test laboratory samples using established procedures.
• Test materials including solvents, powders, resins, pigments, printed materials, and substrates.
• Use specialized laboratory equipment and instrumentation for routine and non-routine testing.
• Perform calculations related to formulations and mixed compositions.
• Record, analyze, and communicate laboratory test results.
• Use Excel and other software tools to perform calculations, analyze data, and create plots.
• Follow standard operating procedures and established laboratory practices.
• Properly use required PPE when working with chemicals and laboratory materials.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and technical teams to support quality and production needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Two-year technical degree in Chemistry, Quality Control, or a comparable scientific field.
• Relevant experience in the ink, paint, coatings, chemical, or materials industry may be considered for candidates with strong demonstrated technical knowledge.
• Experience with general laboratory practices, including weighing, mixing, testing, and sample replication.
• Basic working knowledge of chemistry and statistics.
• Working knowledge of algebra and arithmetic used in formulation and composition calculations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including calculations and data plots.
• General proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and comfort learning new software.
• Ability to accurately distinguish and assess color and complete the Munsell color test.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, consistent results.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and accurately document test results.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain a clean, orderly laboratory environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to safely perform job duties, follow laboratory procedures, document results, and communicate effectively with team members.
• Comfort using appropriate PPE and working safely with materials including solvents, acids, bases, inks, resins, pigments, and powders.

Why Quad CR/T?

At Quad's Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) facility, you'll see the connection between science and manufacturing every day. The work performed in our laboratory directly supports the quality, color, consistency, and performance of inks used throughout Quad's nationwide printing operations.

You'll join a collaborative team where quality, innovation, and continuous improvement matter - and where you can expand your technical knowledge and build a long-term career with Quad. 

Put Your Science Skills to Work. Build Your Career at Quad CR/T.

If you enjoy hands-on laboratory work, have an eye for color, and want to see your work make a direct impact on products produced across the country, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and see where a career at Quad can take you.