Internship Polymer Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

The Coatings Laboratory Technician will support the Research & Development (R&D) and Quality Control (QC) departments in the formulation, application, and testing of a diverse portfolio of coating technologies, including liquid paints, powder coatings, and specialty finishes. Utilizing a strong scientific background, this role is responsible for conducting precise analytical tests, preparing lab-scale batches across different mediums, and ensuring all products meet strict industry and customer specifications. A college degree in a relevant scientific discipline is required for this role.

Location: Johns Creek, GA (Monday - Friday) - local candidates only/no relocation assistance

This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship

Key Responsibilities:

Formulation & Batch Preparation

● Assist chemists and engineers in the development and modification of both liquid and

powder coating formulations.

● Prepare lab-scale batches of powder coatings (involving weighing, pre-mixing, extrusion,

and grinding/milling) and liquid coatings (utilizing high-speed dispersers, bead mills, and

mechanical stirrers).

● Safely and accurately measure and handle raw materials, including solvents, resins,

pigments, curing agents, and additives.

Application & Preparation

● Apply coatings to various substrates (metal, wood, plastic, or paper) utilizing the

appropriate method for the technology, including electrostatic powder spray equipment,

conventional liquid spray guns, wire-wound drawdown bars, or dip coating.

● Prepare test panels by cleaning, sanding, or chemically treating surfaces.

● Monitor and record drying and curing times, operating laboratory baking ovens for

powder/thermoset coatings or monitoring ambient cures for air-dry liquid systems.

Testing & Quality Control

● Perform standard wet-state or uncured testing, such as viscosity (Krebs, Brookfield),

density, fineness of grind (Hegman gauge) for liquids, and gel time, flow, or particle size

analysis for powders.

● Conduct comprehensive physical and mechanical testing on cured films, including film

thickness, gloss, color matching (spectrophotometer), adhesion (cross-hatch), impact

resistance, flexibility (conical mandrel), and hardness.

● Assist in chemical and environmental resistance testing (e.g., salt spray corrosion,

humidity, MEK solvent rubs, and UV weathering).

Data Analysis & Documentation

● Record detailed and accurate experimental data, observations, and test results in a

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or standard lab notebooks.

● Analyze test data to identify trends, troubleshoot formulation issues, and recommend

adjustments.

● Draft technical reports and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for internal

Stakeholders.

Laboratory Maintenance & Safety

● Calibrate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory instruments and

application equipment (both liquid and powder setups).

● Maintain a clean and organized workspace in accordance with 5S principles.

● Strictly adhere to all Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) guidelines, including the

proper handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals, flammable liquids, and airborne

particulates, as well as the use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

● Required: Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) or Associate’s Degree (A.S.) in Chemistry,

Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related

scientific discipline.

Experience

● 0–3 years of laboratory experience. (Recent college graduates with hands-on academic

lab experience or relevant industry internships are highly encouraged to apply).

● Prior experience in the paints, resins, or coatings industry is a strong plus but not strictly

required.

Technical Skills

● Strong understanding of fundamental chemistry principles, particularly polymer

chemistry, cross-linking mechanisms, and physical chemistry.

● Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and analytical tools.

● Proficiency in documentation for data entry, analysis, and report generation.

Soft Skills

● Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret data, troubleshoot formulation issues, and apply

the scientific method to solve complex problems.

● Attention to Detail: High level of precision when measuring chemicals and recording

test results.

● Versatility: Ability to quickly pivot between different testing methodologies required for

liquid versus powder technologies.

● Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively relay

technical information.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

● Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.

● Ability to safely lift and move materials up to 30–50 lbs.

● Comfortable working in a laboratory environment with exposure to chemical odors,

solvents, fine dust (from powder coatings), and varying temperatures from curing ovens.

● Must be comfortable wearing respirators and other protective gear as required.