Technician - Indirect Job Kenansville North Carolina USA,Manufacturing / Production

Position: 0781 Technician - Indirect
Location: Kenansville

Position

Dye Laboratory Technician I

Position Summary

The Laboratory Technician I supports coloration, testing, and chemical development activities for automotive textile applications, with a specific focus on polyester-based woven and warp knit materials. This entry-level role assists in laboratory dyeing, finishing chemical evaluation, and analytical testing to ensure materials meet stringent automotive performance, durability, and color standards.

Key Responsibilities

Polyester Coloration & Dyeing
- Assist in laboratory dyeing of polyester textiles using disperse dyes for both woven and warp knit structures.
- Prepare dye baths, chemical auxiliaries, and recipes utilizing the latest technologies.
- Conduct shade development and color matching using spectrophotometers and visual evaluation under controlled lighting.
- Support optimization of dyeing parameters (temperature profiles, carriers, dispersing agents, pH control).
- Maintain detailed records of dye formulations, process conditions, and outcomes.
Chemical Development & Finishing
- Support development and evaluation of chemical finishes for automotive textiles, including:
- UV resistance and light fastness enhancers
- Stain resistance and soil release treatments
- Flame retardant chemistries
- Antimicrobial and odor-control finishes
- Assist in preparing and applying finishing formulations via laboratory methods.
- Participate in screening new chemical systems for compatibility with polyester substrates.
- Document and compare performance of various chemical treatments.
Analytical Testing & Validation
- Perform standardized textile testing aligned with automotive requirements, including:
- FT-IR
- DSC
- TLC
- Conduct basic chemical testing such as pH, extractables, and finish add-on levels.
- Ability to analyze results to understand meaning and assist in the development of next steps.
- Record, analyze, and report test data with accuracy and consistency.
Data Management & Reporting
- Document all laboratory work in electronic systems or laboratory notebooks.
- Assist in compiling technical reports for internal teams and customers.
- Support statistical analysis of test results and trend tracking.
Continuous Improvement & Collaboration
- Assist in troubleshooting dyeing inconsistencies specific to polyester (e.g., migration, uneven dye uptake).
- Support initiatives to improve reproducibility between lab and production environments.
- Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams on material and process improvements.
- Stay informed on emerging technologies in polyester dyeing and automotive textile chemistry.

Qualifications

Education
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering or Textile Technology, Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry
Experience
- 0–2 years of relevant experience (internships or co-ops preferred), particularly in:
- Textile dyeing or finishing
- Polymer or synthetic fiber processing
- Laboratory testing environments
Technical Knowledge & Skills
- Basic understanding of polyester fiber properties and disperse dye chemistry (preferred).
- Familiarity with woven and warp knit fabric structures.
- Exposure to textile finishing processes and chemical treatments is a plus.
- Understanding of laboratory safety practices and chemical handling.
- Ability to follow detailed technical procedures with precision.
- Strong attention to detail in data collection and reporting.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar data tools.
Physical & Work Environment
- Ability to work in a laboratory with heat-generating equipment and chemical exposure (with PPE).
- Standing, lifting light materials, and handling wet textiles and chemicals.
- Compliance with all personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Location Code: 0781

Nearest Major Market:
Fayetteville

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