Color Jobs in Columbus, NC (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Color Match Specialist will work within the Color Laboratory and play a key role in the development, formulation, validation, and industrialization of color solutions for TMG & Haartz Solutions products. This position is responsible for color matching, color formulation adjustments, color quality evaluation, and supporting production through accurate color development and color management practices.

This is a unique opportunity to join a growing startup operation and help establish the foundation of the Color Laboratory and Color Management function. The successful candidate will work closely with R&D, Design, Quality, and Production teams while developing expertise in TMG & Haartz Solutions’ proprietary materials and manufacturing technologies, which differ significantly from traditional automotive surface materials and coating processes.

This role offers significant professional growth potential for an individual interested in developing expertise in color science, color management, laboratory operations, process development, and technical leadership within a rapidly growing manufacturing organization.

Candidate Profile – Color Matching

• Associate’s degree, Technical Degree, or equivalent industry experience required
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field preferred
• 5–10 years of experience in color matching, color development, coatings, plastics, textiles, paints, inks, or related manufacturing environments preferred
• Strong understanding of color theory, color measurement, and color correction principles
• Experience using spectrophotometers, color databases, and color management software
• Strong visual color discrimination skills
• Ability to analyze color, gloss, and appearance characteristics
• Knowledge of pigments, colorants, and formulation adjustments
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Experience in manufacturing environments preferred
• Munsell 100 Hue Test certification or ability to pass color vision testing preferred

Key Responsibilities

Color Development & Matching

• Develop and maintain color formulations for new and existing products
• Perform visual and instrumental color matching to customer and internal specifications
• Evaluate and adjust color formulations to achieve target color and gloss requirements
• Develop color matching solutions for production and development projects
• Support Design and Product Development teams with new color initiatives
• Recommend formula modifications to improve color consistency and manufacturability
• Analyze color behavior throughout the manufacturing process
• Utilize spectrophotometers, color management software, and color databases to achieve accurate and repeatable color matches
• Record color adjustments, formulations, and development data within company systems

Laboratory & Quality Support

• Conduct color evaluations using spectrophotometers and other laboratory equipment
• Define and support color tolerance requirements for products and intermediate process stages
• Create, maintain, and manage technical documentation related to color standards and formulations
• Assist in developing and maintaining color databases and technical sheets
• Evaluate raw materials and pigmented components for color compliance
• Support root cause investigations related to color and appearance concerns
• Maintain laboratory records, retain samples, and color development documentation
• Assist with the development and implementation of laboratory procedures and best practices

Production Support

• Partner with Production and Quality teams to ensure color consistency during manufacturing
• Support product launches and production scale-up activities
• Monitor color performance during production runs and recommend corrective actions when necessary
• Assist with troubleshooting color-related production issues
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on color quality and process optimization
• Monitor and evaluate color reprocessing opportunities
• Minimize material waste through efficient color correction and formulation practices

Color Management Development

• Assist in establishing laboratory procedures, color standards, and color management best practices
• Support implementation of color measurement technologies and color control processes
• Participating in technical validation activities and project reviews
• Contribute to the development of future Color Laboratory capabilities
• Work cross-functionally with Design, Quality, Production, and R&D teams to support appearance and color objectives
• Support the continuous improvement of color consistency, quality, and customer satisfaction

Authorities

• Recommend color formulation adjustments and corrections
• Define acceptable color matches within established guidelines
• Approve or reject color standards for laboratory evaluation
• Escalate non-conforming color conditions to Quality, Production, and R&D leadership
• Recommend process improvements related to color quality and consistency

Career Development Opportunity

TMG & Haartz Solutions is committed to investing in the growth and development of its employees. As a growing organization, this role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the Color Laboratory and Color Management function from the ground up.

The successful candidate will gain exposure to product development, manufacturing, quality systems, process optimization, and customer-driven color solutions while working alongside cross-functional teams throughout the organization. As the business continues to expand, additional opportunities for increased responsibility, technical specialization, project leadership, and organizational impact are expected to emerge.

This position is ideal for an individual who is motivated by continuous learning, enjoys solving technical challenges, and is interested in building a long-term career within an innovative and growing manufacturing environment.