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Photo Lab Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Photo Lab Associate information

What is a photo lab associate?

Photo Lab Associates are retail employees who specialize in operating photo processing equipment and providing customer service related to photographic products. They assist customers with printing photos, creating photo gifts, and using self-service kiosks, as well as ensuring the quality and timely production of orders. Photo Lab Associates also maintain the cleanliness and functionality of photo lab equipment, keep inventory stocked, and help resolve any issues with photo orders. This role requires attention to detail, basic technical skills, and strong customer service abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photo lab associate?

To thrive as a Photo Lab Associate, you need attention to detail, basic photographic knowledge, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with photo editing software, digital imaging systems, and lab processing equipment is typically required. Strong customer service, organization, and problem-solving skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure high-quality photo products, efficient workflow, and customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by photo lab associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Photo Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of customer orders, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and maintaining quality standards under tight deadlines. Managing these challenges effectively requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly learn how to operate and maintain lab equipment. Clear communication with team members and customers is also essential to ensure orders are processed correctly and any issues are resolved promptly. Staying up-to-date with new photo processing technology and company protocols can further help associates perform their roles efficiently.

What is the difference between Photo Lab Associate vs Photo Printer?

AspectPhoto Lab AssociatePhoto Printer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic photography knowledgeHigh school diploma; familiarity with printing equipment
Work EnvironmentPhoto labs, retail stores, camera shopsPrinting facilities, retail stores, photo labs
Employer & Industry UsageRetail chains, camera stores, photo labsPhoto printing shops, retail stores, labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Photo Lab Associate and a Photo Printer is that the associate performs a variety of photo processing tasks, including customer service and photo editing, while a Photo Printer primarily focuses on operating printing equipment to produce high-quality prints. Both roles often work in retail or photo lab environments and require similar basic credentials. The choice depends on whether you prefer a broader role in photo processing or a specialized focus on printing tasks.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Photo Lab Associate jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Photo Lab Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Photo Lab Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Materials Engineer I - Materials Engineering

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Three Point Solutions, Inc.
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Materials Engineer I - Materials Engineering
Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Industry
Duration: 2 years
Location: Waterloo, IA 50704

Description:
Materials Engineer I - Materials Engineering
Major Purpose
Assists and supports materials engineering work that is narrow in scope and responsibility. This job fully integrates an individual into the engineering culture by performing professional materials engineering (e.g., chemicals, plastics, finishes, metallurgy, heat treat, ceramics, etc.) assignments and specific engineering tasks that are limited in scope, depth, and degree of skill required. Work plans and decisions are reviewed by supervisors.
Major Duties
  • Carry out a range of activities under the guidance of more senior colleagues to support the analysis of information and the specification of the methods and process steps, as well as the plant, machinery, and equipment, required to design and continuously improve manufacturing or materials processes and process systems.
  • Contribute to the development of, and implement feasibility testing of, proposed engineering solutions to provide feedback and data to validate the design.
  • Support drafting of engineering standards and specifications and evaluate the effectiveness of those standards.
  • Carry out inspections under the supervision of senior colleagues to evaluate the quality of engineering works and/or the integrity of existing installations or structures, and make recommendations to senior colleagues on the remedial works needed to ensure conformance with specifications and regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate subcontractors and suppliers, acting as the primary contact within an established contract management plan.
  • Identify shortcomings in existing processes and systems and use established change management programs to address them.
  • Help others get the most out of knowledge management systems by offering support and advice.
  • Conduct a range of product development and engineering activities. Analyze customer needs and define/deliver products.
  • Work within an established project management plan to achieve specific goals.
  • Participate in assessment and development planning activities, engage in formal and informal training, and maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulations, and industry best practices.

Skills, Abilities, Knowledge
  • Engineering Technology
  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Development
  • Business Requirements Analysis
  • Engineering Specification
  • Engineering Testing
  • Project Schedule Management
  • Engineering Build
  • Engineering Implementation
  • Engineering Technical Operations Support
  • Health and Safety
  • Negotiation
  • Policy and Regulation
  • Review and Reporting
  • Risk Management
  • Contract Management
  • Costing and Budgeting
  • Graphics or Photo Imaging
  • Word Processor Software
  • Presentation Creation
  • Spreadsheet Expertise
  • Database User Interfaces and Queries
  • Development Environment
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
  • Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Internet Browser Knowledge
  • Electronic Mail Expertise

Education
  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Level

Description:
Major Purpose
  • This job is for a Materials Engineering lab technician whose everyday assignments and tasks may vary from routine to infrequent.
  • Duties are relatively broad in scope and may require evaluations by the position holder.
  • The holder of this position will perform materials engineering supporting tasks or complex laboratory analytical functions with limited engineering oversight.

Major Duties
  • Completes tasks involving preparation or analysis of material samples/components/processes with minor engineering oversight for moderately complex activities.
  • Develops, recommends, and implements analytical or process changes to maintain or improve product quality.
  • Works with maintenance and production personnel to troubleshoot laboratory equipment, process, or analytical problems.
  • Participates in project teams to improve factory performance in safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
  • Creates and maintains process instructions or develops analytical processes to meet production needs.
  • Creates and maintains laboratory procedures and processes.
  • Maintains "Sustain" level of 5S in the materials engineering lab.

Qualifications
Technical Skills & Knowledge
  • Excellent understanding of part prints, process instructions, and industry standards.
  • Basic to moderate knowledge of ferrous machining processes and materials analysis.
  • Basic knowledge of production and analytical equipment, and maintenance activities.
  • Solid mechanical aptitude with a drive to grow this skill set.
  • Very good verbal and written communication skills.

Education
  • 2-year associate technical degree or equivalent work experience.

Relevant Work Experiences
  • Experience in process control and analytical analysis.
  • Experience in Client manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in shop floor or laboratory environment.
  • Participation in process problem-solving teams.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring experience.
  • Experience with production systems and databases.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and other engineering software tools.

Specific Job Duties
  • Perform laboratory tasks and support activities in the materials lab as requests are received.
  • Work with requestors to ensure proper work is done and parts are delivered to the lab.
  • Order and stock lab consumables.
  • Track reservation number, IM number, price, order date, and delivery date.
  • Enter crib reservation in SAP (PDX) transaction.
  • Collect parts, perform audits, and maintain Monthly/Quarterly Audit spreadsheets.
  • Track work request system.
  • Maintain all lab equipment.
  • Support changeovers and adjustments at S450 crankshaft heat treat.
  • Maintain coolant levels in all saws.
  • Get new consumables approved for use.

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