Chemical Lab Intern at Pioneer Athletics in Cleveland, OH

Summary: Pioneer Manufacturing Company, Inc. is the nation's leading developer and manufacturer of athletic field marking paint and striping equipment. They are seeking a Chemical Lab Intern to assist in quality control, testing, and formulation of various paint products and materials while gaining hands-on experience in a laboratory environment. Responsibilities: - Test Finished Paint Samples: - Perform various tests on completed paint products to ensure that they adhere to the company’s quality control standards. This includes evaluating attributes such as consistency, appearance, durability, and application properties - Work closely with the QC Chemist to troubleshoot issues with finished product batches and suggest potential improvements based on test results - Test Incoming Raw Materials and Aerosol Cans: - Analyze raw materials (such as pigments, solvents, resins, etc.) and aerosol cans to ensure that they meet the necessary specifications before being used in production - Field Testing on Products: - Carry out field tests on new and existing paint products in various real-world applications (e.g., paint adhesion, weathering, and performance under different environmental conditions) to assess product quality and reliability - Collect and analyze field data to help improve future product formulations and performance - Color Matching and Evaluation: - Assist the QC Chemist in color matching paint formulations under multiple light sources (e.g., daylight, fluorescent, incandescent) using both manual methods and advanced computer-aided color instrumentation - Utilize spectrophotometers to ensure accurate color consistency and quality across different product batches - Monthly Quality Control Checks on Stocked Products: - Conduct routine testing on in-stock paint samples to monitor the stability and consistency of stored products over time - Ensure that products meet ongoing quality control specifications and help identify any deviations that might occur in long-term storage - Chemical Testing of Paint Properties: - Perform a wide range of laboratory tests to measure important paint characteristics such as viscosity, pH, non-volatile solids content, and color - Familiarize yourself with industry-standard testing methods and equipment, while ensuring accurate documentation of results - Maintain Accurate Project Records and Reports: - Document all test results and observations in lab notebooks or digital systems, ensuring that records are clear, accurate, and well-organized for future reference - Assist in preparing detailed reports that summarize the results of quality control tests, field studies, and lab analyses. These reports will help support product development, compliance, and quality improvement initiatives - Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: - Work closely with R&D, production, and regulatory teams to ensure that test results are communicated effectively and to support any necessary product adjustments - Assist in troubleshooting and resolving quality issues across different stages of the manufacturing process Required Qualifications: - Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field - Basic understanding of chemical principles, particularly in relation to paint formulations, viscosity, pH, and color properties - Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities - Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting (experience with software like Excel or specialized lab software is preferred) - Ability to use a variety of lab equipment safely and efficiently - Strong verbal and written communication skills to ensure that test results and observations are clearly documented and shared across teams - High degree of precision and attention to detail in performing tests, recording data, and troubleshooting issues - Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment Preferred Qualifications: - Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment (e.g., pH meters, spectrophotometers, viscometers, etc.) is a plus - Knowledge of quality control methods and industrial standards within the coatings industry is beneficial but not mandatory - Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and testing methods - A proactive attitude and willingness to take initiative in solving problems - Desire to learn about the coatings industry and chemical testing methods - Previous internship or laboratory experience is a plus, but not required Required Skills: Chemical principles, Laboratory testing equipment Important Skills: Quality control methods, Data analysis, Analytical skills Nice-to-Have Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Time management