Job Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Color Lab Technician to join our raw materials quality team. The Color Lab Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and consistency of raw materials through color evaluation, physical testing, data analysis and supplier communication. The successful candidate will work closely with suppliers, internal teams and manufacturing facilities to ensure all raw materials meet established quality, color and performance standards prior to production.
Duties
Color Development
· Initiate fabric and trim color development with domestic and international suppliers.
· Clearly communicate spectrophotometer settings, visual evaluation requirements, lighting conditions and color development expectations.
· Establish, communicate and enforce color tolerances for all raw materials.
· Review and evaluate lab dips, strike-offs and bulk submissions for compliance with company standards.
Daily Color Evaluation
· Perform daily instrumental color evaluations using a spectrophotometer.
· Conduct visual color assessments using standardized lighting equipment.
· Evaluate fabrics and trims against approved color standards.
· Document evaluation results and communicate approval or rejection decisions to suppliers, providing technical guidance for improvement when necessary.
· Maintain consistency between instrumental data and visual assessments.
Physical Testing
· Perform daily physical testing of fabrics and trims in accordance with company standards and testing procedures.
· Evaluate material appearance, construction, hand feel and overall quality.
· Document and communicate testing results, observations and quality concerns to suppliers and internal stakeholders.
· Ensure raw materials meet established quality requirements before production.
Data Analysis and Reporting
· Compile, analyze and interpret color and physical testing data.
· Identify trends, recurring issues and opportunities for continuous improvement.
· Prepare reports and provide recommendations that support product quality, supplier performance and manufacturing consistency.
· Maintain testing metrics and assist with supplier performance evaluations.
Record Maintenance
· Maintain accurate, organized and traceable laboratory records.
· File laboratory documentation, lab dips, bulk approvals, physical retains, testing reports and related records.
· Distribute approved and rejected samples to Raw Material Quality teams at manufacturing facilities.
· Ensure documentation complies with company record retention requirements.
Team Collaboration
· Participate in regular team meetings and project reviews.
· Share testing results, project updates and technical recommendations.
· Collaborate with Quality, Product Development, Design, Sourcing, Manufacturing and suppliers to resolve raw material quality issues.
· Support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
Laboratory Maintenance
· Maintain a clean, organized and efficient laboratory environment.
· Calibrate, verify and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable performance.
· Follow laboratory safety procedures and best practices.
· Assist in maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment inventory.
Experience
Experience in textile, apparel or raw material quality assurance is a plus.
· Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and quality management systems is a plus.
· Experience working with domestic and international suppliers is a plus.
· Experience interpreting laboratory data and providing technical feedback to suppliers is a plus.
Qualifications
· In-depth knowledge of color theory and exceptional color discrimination abilities.
· A “Superior” rating (16 or below) on the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test.
· Strong analytic, organizational and problem solving skills.
· Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
· Effective written and verbal communication skills.
· The ability to work collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data management systems.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
