Chemical Lab Intern

About Pioneer Athletics

Pioneer® Manufacturing Company, Inc. is the nation's leading developer and manufacturer of athletic field marking paint and striping equipment.

Founded in 1905, and located in Cleveland, Ohio our line-up of high-quality paints, antimicrobial coatings, striping machines, field stencils and athletic maintenance equipment is utilized by over 22,000 professional, collegiate, high school and recreational organizations throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Position Overview:
We are looking for a driven and enthusiastic Chemical Lab Intern to join our dynamic team. This internship will provide you with practical, hands-on experience in a laboratory environment where you will assist in quality control, testing, and formulation of various paint products and materials. As a Chemical Lab Intern, you will work closely with experienced chemists to ensure our products meet industry standards. This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, while gaining exposure to a variety of analytical techniques and product testing processes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Test Finished Paint Samples:
2. • 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.
3. Test Incoming Raw Materials and Aerosol Cans:
4. • 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.
5. Field Testing on Products:
6. • 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.
7. Color Matching and Evaluation:
8. • 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.

1. Monthly Quality Control Checks on Stocked Products:
2. • 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.
3. Chemical Testing of Paint Properties:
4. • 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.
5. Maintain Accurate Project Records and Reports:
6. • 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.
7. Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams:
8. • 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.

Qualifications:

• Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge & Skills:
• • Basic understanding of chemical principles, particularly in relation to paint formulations, viscosity, pH, and color properties.
  • 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 
• Technical Competencies:
• • 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.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to ensure that test results and observations are clearly documented and shared across teams.
• Attention to Detail: High degree of precision and attention to detail in performing tests, recording data, and troubleshooting issues.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment.

Additional Skills/Traits:

• 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.

Pay Rate: $20 per hour