Laboratory Technician

We are seeking a freelance Raw Materials Lab Technician to support our materials lab with hands-on testing of textile fabrics and trims used in performance apparel, footwear, and equipment. You will execute standardized laboratory tests, document results with precision, and partner closely with Materials Commercialization, Quality Assurance, and Product teams to help ensure that all materials meet stringent performance, durability, and quality standards.

This is a contingent, on-site role within a raw materials laboratory, focused on day-to-day testing execution, data accuracy, and operational support.

What You Will Do

• Perform physical and performance testing on development and production textile materials, trims, and related components using established AATCC, ASTM, and internal test methods.
• Prepare test specimens in accordance with specified protocols, including cutting, conditioning, labeling, and organizing samples for multiple concurrent test programs.
• Operate laboratory test equipment (e.g., tensile testers, abrasion and pilling testers, colorfastness and dimensional stability apparatus, moisture management and waterproofness rigs) following defined SOPs.
• Capture, review, and verify technical data for completeness and accuracy; enter daily test results into SARGE and other internal databases for distribution to Materials Commercialization teams.
• Flag non-conforming results, anomalies, or data trends and communicate them clearly to lab management and cross-functional partners.
• Support the creation and maintenance of test records, including report files, specimen cards, and physical sample archives according to established documentation and retention procedures.
• Assist in routine calibration checks, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of assigned lab instruments; escalate issues per lab protocols.
• Contribute as a technical resource to Materials Commercialization, QA, and Product teams by providing clear, concise explanations of test results and methodologies.
• Follow and reinforce all safety standards, PPE requirements, and operational procedures within the lab environment.
• Help onboard and guide temporary or new lab personnel in standard test methods and daily lab workflows, as assigned by Lab Management.
• Perform additional lab-related tasks and special testing projects as assigned to support seasonal development and production timelines.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent hands-on laboratory or clinical experience.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in a materials, textiles, or quality laboratory environment.
• Working knowledge of AATCC and ASTM test methods for textiles and trims strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated comfort operating laboratory instruments and working in a structured lab setting.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in repetitive, process-driven work.
• Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document test procedures and summarize results for non-technical stakeholders.
• Effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects, deadlines, and changing priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and email; experience with laboratory data systems or LIMS (such as SARGE) is a plus.
• Solid math aptitude for data calculations, basic statistics, and tolerance interpretations.
• Basic filing and record-keeping skills for both physical and digital documentation.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and handle rolls of fabric, boxes of trims, and test equipment as needed.
• High color perception (color vision) required for evaluation of shade, colorfastness, and appearance changes.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform manual specimen preparation tasks on a daily basis.