Lab Technician (1st Shift)

Workwear Outfitters has a strong legacy of building innovative and authentic market-right products and is a leading supplier of work apparel and footwear for diverse occupations in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, government, food services, telecommunications, hospitality, and many more. Workwear Outfitters is based in Nashville, Tennessee with over $800 million in sales and we employ more than 5,800 people in facilities spanning the globe.

Brands under the Workwear Outfitters umbrella include Red Kap, Bulwark, Image Authority, Kodiak, Terra, Liberty , Work Authority, Workrite Fire Service, Chef Designs, and Horace Small. Workwear Outfitters is also the exclusive licensee for Dickies apparel in the B2B channel.

Our Purpose: "We champion and empower workers who make our world work better"

Major benefits include medical, vision and dental, Life and Disability coverage.

Other benefits included: 401K, Tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, and many others.

What You Will Do as a Lab Technician:

Under the general direction of the Lab Manager, this position is responsible for the testing of fabrics, garments and trim and findings and will analyze as needed. Cuts specimens to perform required tests to determine if the item being tested meets WWOF established minimum requirements. Observes and evaluates occurrences seen in the testing process, whether or not they were a part of the project request.

How You Will Make a Difference:

• Performs tests on products in development. Tests products for various properties, such as flammability, chlorine retention, dimensional stability and abrasion by using various chemicals and testing equipment. There are 49 textile test methods that can be performed in the laboratory.
• Technicians are currently in the process of learning 5 footwear test methods.
• Proactively communicates with internal customers to effectively manage expectations on project completion dates. Techs also give updates on projects, including failures, occurring prior to the completion date.
• Manages and prioritizes time to ensure that all projects, especially priority projects are completed by their assigned due date. On-time completion of projects is one of the lab metrics that is tracked monthly.
• Conducts laundry procedures to industry standards for light soil, industrial wash, or home wash depending on the product line and end use of the item. There are 9 wash formulas used in the lab. There are 7 industrial washers & dryers and 6 residential washers & dryers. It is common practice to be swapping loads in multiple washers to complete testing accurately & on time.
• Actively searches for continuous improvements in the laboratory's processes.
• Performs periodic garment testing on items in inventory at the distribution centers which are selected in the monthly garment audit. This includes testing the garment for both appearance and performance as well as preparing reports.
• Completes Corrective Action & Preventative Action Reports in accordance with the laboratory's A2LA certification. The lab techs are expected to work CARs & OFIs when issued to them. This includes performing root cause analysis, creating and implementing short-term action and long-term action plans.
• Evaluates and conducts root cause analysis on garments returned by dissatisfied customers.
• Computes and analyzes testing results for clarity and accuracy. Report accuracy is one of the lab metrics that is tracked monthly.
• Completes other duties and projects as assigned. The lab has 3 teams that help with maintaining ISO 17025 accreditation. Each lab tech is assigned to one of these teams.
• The A2LA team helps with keeping ISO documentation current and leading the PTP program.
• The Equipment team helps with maintaining the lab equipment. They ensure equipment is calibrated and functioning properly.
• The Safety & Housekeeping team helps with maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory. They perform the quarterly cleaning & maintenance of lab equipment.

Skills for Success:

• Equivalent outside experience is preferred.
• Must maintain the lab goals for on-time completion of projects and accuracy rate of projects for a period of 6 months prior to applying for position
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work independently; organize and prioritize work.
• Knowledge of textiles, garment manufacturing, and/or industrial laundering is preferred.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Strong math, grammar, and clerical skills indicated by a score of 4 or better on the standard battery of clerical tests
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced changeable environment with limited supervision.
• Must be a proven team player with great interpersonal skills.
• Actively seeks improvements in the laboratory's processes and effectively uses the CAR/PAR process to implement those improvements.
• Reviews test methods for clarity and understanding. Uses this knowledge to accurately perform testing and reporting of results.
• Flexibility to adapt and balance a rapidly changing workload.
• Successfully completes other duties and projects as assigned. Examples of additional duties are:
• Logging in of lab projects & sending COCs to lab customers, acting as a back-up to the Quality
• Specialist, editing the SPC RT program, etc.
• Required to pass the Farnsworth/Munsell 100 Hue Test for Color Vision Accuracy.
• May require 10-20% overtime.
• Safety goggles and use according to MSDS sheet are required when handling chemicals in the lab.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds frequently and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Predominant time on job is spent standing. Frequent bending, and some squatting and reaching above the shoulders.

1st shift M-F 6am-2:30pm