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Paint Lab Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Mastermold LLC

Paint Process Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$90K - $108K/yr

We're looking for Paint Process Engineers to own, stabilize, and improve our paint and coating ... Lead process development for new colors, coatings, or products--from lab trials to full production.

Mastermold LLC

Paint Process Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$90K - $108K/yr

We're looking for Paint Process Engineers to own, stabilize, and improve our paint and coating ... Lead process development for new colors, coatings, or products--from lab trials to full production.

Quad

3rd Shift Quality Control Lab Technician

Hartford, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Quality Control Lab Technician Location: Quad - Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) Facility ... Relevant experience in the ink, paint, coatings, chemical, or materials industry may be considered ...

Quad

3rd Shift Quality Control Lab Technician

Hartford, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Quality Control Lab Technician Location: Quad - Chemical Research & Technology (CR/T) Facility ... Relevant experience in the ink, paint, coatings, chemical, or materials industry may be considered ...

Rust-Oleum

R&D Co-Op - Fall

Pleasant Prairie, WI · On-site

$25/hr

Typical work assignments include Creating sample batches of paint for formula development, conducting performance testing on lab samples and competitive products, documenting data and interpreting ...

Kop-Coat, Inc.

R&D Co-Op - Fall

Pleasant Prairie, WI · On-site

$25/hr

Typical work assignments include Creating sample batches of paint for formula development, conducting performance testing on lab samples and competitive products, documenting data and interpreting ...

Rust-Oleum

R&D Co-Op - Fall

Pleasant Prairie, WI · On-site

$25/hr

Typical work assignments include Creating sample batches of paint for formula development, conducting performance testing on lab samples and competitive products, documenting data and interpreting ...

Rust-Oleum

R&D Co-Op - Fall

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$25/hr

Typical work assignments include creating sample batches of paint for formula development, conducting performance testing on lab samples and competitive products, documenting data and interpreting ...

Rust-Oleum

R&D Co-Op - Fall

Pleasant Prairie, WI · On-site

$25/hr

Typical work assignments include Creating sample batches of paint for formula development, conducting performance testing on lab samples and competitive products, documenting data and interpreting ...

Actalent

R&d Scientist

Pleasant Prairie, WI · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Job Title: R&D Scientist - Waterborne Paints and Coatings This role focuses on formulating ... Manage formulation projects end-to-end, from concept development through lab work, scale-up, and ...

Simos

Engineer Technician

Kohler, WI · On-site

$35/hr

Complete finishing work such as sanding, surface prep, painting, and cosmetic detailing to support ... Prior experience in a model shop, R&D lab, maintenance shop, construction or manufacturing ...

Toro

Test Technician - HammerHead

Lake Mills, WI

$25.66 - $33/hr

Assisting in the design, selection, and application of data acquisition equipment for lab and field ... Hazardous materials such as fuels, oils, grease, paint, solvents, coolant, pressurized gases ...

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All JobsPaint Lab JobsPaint Lab Jobs in Wisconsin

Paint Lab information

What is a paint lab technician?

A Paint Lab technician is a professional who works in a laboratory setting to develop, test, and analyze paints, coatings, and related materials. Their responsibilities typically include mixing formulas, conducting quality control tests, evaluating color accuracy, and ensuring products meet industry standards. They often collaborate with chemists, production teams, and quality assurance specialists to improve paint performance and resolve technical issues. Paint Lab technicians are essential in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and construction, where high-quality coatings are critical.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in a paint lab, and how can they be managed?

Working in a Paint Lab often involves managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, precise color matching, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Technicians must frequently troubleshoot formulation inconsistencies and ensure quality control under varying environmental conditions. Effective time management, attention to detail, and strong communication with production, R&D, and quality assurance teams are essential for overcoming these challenges. Regular training and collaboration with colleagues also help in staying updated on best practices and new technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paint lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paint Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of chemistry, color theory, and quality control, often supported by a degree or certificate in chemistry, materials science, or a related field. Familiarity with spectrophotometers, color matching software, and laboratory safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate formulation, consistent product quality, and safe lab operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Paint Lab vs Paint Technician?

AspectPaint LabPaint Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications in paint mixing or safety are commonRequires similar certifications; often needs experience with paint application and safety standards
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting focused on paint formulation, testing, and quality controlOn-site application, preparing surfaces, and painting in various settings such as automotive, industrial, or residential
Industry UsageUsed mainly in R&D, quality assurance, and product development within paint manufacturingPrimarily in construction, automotive, or industrial sectors for applying paint

The main difference between a Paint Lab and a Paint Technician lies in their roles: Paint Labs focus on developing and testing paint products in a laboratory environment, while Paint Technicians apply paint in real-world settings. Both roles require similar certifications but serve different stages of the paint lifecycle.

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Paint Lab jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Paint Lab job openings:

Paint Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paint Lab job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Paint Process Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI • On-site

Mastermold LLC
Plastics Product Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Mastermold LLCexternal

$90K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description


We’re looking for Paint Process Engineers to own, stabilize, and improve our paint and coating processes. This role is less about “babysitting the line” and more about building robust processes that run right the first time, every time.

You’ll define standards, dial in parameters, reduce defects, and lead continuous improvement so production, quality, and maintenance have a repeatable, capable process to work with.


What You’ll Do

Process Engineering & Standardization

  • Develop, document, and maintain paint process standards (parameters, recipes, and work instructions) for existing and new products.

  • Define and optimize: gun settings, atomizing air, film build targets, flash/bake times, oven profiles, line speeds, and booth balance.

  • Build and maintain control plans, standardized work, and process check sheets for paint operations.

  • Use data (SPC, Pareto, capability studies) to identify variation and tighten up the process.

Defect Reduction & Root Cause Analysis

  • Lead structured problem-solving for paint defects (runs, sags, orange peel, dry spray, fisheyes, adhesion issues, color shifts, etc.).

  • Perform root cause analysis using tools like 5-Why, Fishbone, PDCA, and implement permanent corrective actions.

  • Partner with Quality to monitor scrap, rework, and first-pass yield, and drive projects to reduce defects.

Launches, Trials & Process Changes

  • Lead process development for new colors, coatings, or products—from lab trials to full production.

  • Plan and run process trials and DOE to evaluate new materials, equipment, and parameter changes.

  • Support PPAPs and customer approvals by preparing data, documentation, and sample runs as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to ensure the paint process is understood, stable, and repeatable.

  • Train supervisors, leads, and operators on proper application techniques, defect recognition, and process controls.

  • Collaborate with Maintenance/Engineering on equipment upgrades, nozzle/robot changes, and oven/booth improvements.

Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure paint processes meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

  • Support safe storage, handling, and usage of paints, solvents, and chemicals used in the process.


What You Bring

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
    OR equivalent hands-on experience in paint/coatings process engineering.

  • Direct experience with industrial painting or coating operations (automotive, heavy truck, agriculture, metal finishing, composites, etc.).

  • Strong process engineering mindset: comfortable with data, parameters, standardized work, and root cause analysis.

  • Ability to operate on the production floor, communicate with operators, and present clearly to leadership.

  • Proficiency with Excel and basic data analysis for reporting and process monitoring.

Preferred

  • Experience with powder coating, liquid paint, or gel coat systems, including pretreatment and curing ovens.

  • Familiarity with DFT measurement, gloss/color measurement, adhesion testing, and cure verification.

  • Experience with robotic application equipment and/or automated paint lines.

  • Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, PFMEA, control plans, and CI projects in a manufacturing environment.


What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunity.

  • Comprehensive benefits package ([health/dental/vision/401(k)/etc.]).

  • Paid time off and holidays.

  • Opportunities for growth into senior process engineering, project engineering, or leadership roles.

  • A visible impact: you’ll see your process changes show up directly as better quality, less scrap, and smoother production.