Chemical Lab Intern

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.

We are looking for a driven and enthusiastic Chemical Lab Intern to join our dynamic team. This internship provides practical, hands‑on experience in a laboratory environment where you will assist in quality control, testing, and formulation of various paint products and materials. The intern will work closely with experienced chemists to ensure our products meet industry standards and gain exposure to analytical techniques and product testing processes.

• Test Finished Paint Samples:
  • Perform various tests on completed paint products to ensure they adhere to the company’s quality control standards, 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.
• Test Incoming Raw Materials and Aerosol Cans:
  • Analyze raw materials (pigments, solvents, resins, etc.) and aerosol cans to ensure they meet necessary specifications before being used in production.
• Field Testing on Products:
  • Carry out field tests on new and existing paint products in 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.
• Color Matching and Evaluation:
  • Assist the QC Chemist in color matching paint formulations under multiple light sources (daylight, fluorescent, incandescent) using manual methods and advanced computer‑aided color instrumentation.
  • Utilize spectrophotometers to ensure accurate color consistency across different product batches.
• Monthly Quality Control Checks on Stocked Products:
  • Conduct routine testing on in‑stock paint samples to monitor the stability and consistency of stored products over time.
  • Ensure products meet ongoing quality control specifications and help identify any deviations that might occur in long‑term storage.
• Chemical Testing of Paint Properties:
  • 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.
• Maintain Accurate Project Records and Reports:
  • Document all test results and observations in lab notebooks or digital systems, ensuring records are clear, accurate, and well‑organized.
  • Assist in preparing detailed reports that summarize results of quality control tests, field studies, and lab analyses to support product development, compliance, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Cross‑Functional Teams:
  • Work closely with R&D, production, and regulatory teams to ensure test results are communicated effectively and to support product adjustments.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and resolving quality issues across different stages of the manufacturing process.

• 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 paint formulations, viscosity, pH, and color properties.
  • Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment (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…