Chemical Lab Technician

Actalent connects visionary companies with specialized engineering and sciences talent, supporting innovation and scale across industries such as transportation, medical devices, aerospace, defense, and space technology.

About the role

This hands-on role in an industrial metallurgical laboratory involves preparing metal samples and performing chemical and physical tests to certify metal products. The position supports a wide range of industries and offers opportunities for skill development and long-term growth across multiple technical disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metal samples for testing by cutting, grinding, sanding, and polishing surfaces using power and industrial tools such as saws, grinders, polishers, drills, and furnaces.
• Perform chemical and physical tests on metal products using methods including ICP, OES, LECO, density testing, and other spectrometry techniques to certify various types of metal products.
• Work under the direct supervision of senior chemistry staff to perform analyses of client samples according to established procedures and laboratory standards.
• Carry out routine operation, maintenance, calibration, and qualification of laboratory equipment and instruments, and assist in basic troubleshooting when issues arise.
• Ensure that test machines and instruments are properly calibrated and verified before use to maintain accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and records, documenting sample preparation steps, test procedures, results, and observations in a clear and organized manner.
• Prepare reports and summarize test results and findings in a format suitable for internal review and client communication.
• Follow detailed written and verbal procedures precisely to ensure tests are performed to required specifications and accreditations.
• Support day-to-day operational activities of the chemistry lab, including housekeeping, organization of tools and materials, and general lab upkeep.
• Handle furnaces, saws, and other industrial equipment safely while working on the metal sample preparation and industrial floor of the lab.
• Apply basic mathematical concepts to calculations required in testing, data analysis, and equipment calibration.
• Collaborate with team members while also managing individual tasks independently, contributing to a productive and safe laboratory environment.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new methods and cross-train in other departments over time, such as Safety, Quality, Engineering, and Chemistry.

Requirements

• High school diploma with 1–2 years of lab experience, preferably in a metals lab, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on lab experience.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with basic lab skills, including sample preparation and handling.
• Industrial laboratory experience, preferably in metals testing, with familiarity working in an active production or industrial environment.
• Experience using power tools such as grinders, saws, polishers, drills, and similar equipment for mechanical or sample preparation work.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal procedures accurately and consistently.
• Ability to understand and apply basic mathematical concepts in testing and data recording.
• Strong communication skills for documenting results and collaborating with laboratory staff.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new techniques, equipment, and processes in the lab.

Schedule

First shift, Monday through Friday, with a 40-hour workweek plus a 30-minute lunch (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Offers a flexible schedule after training, including optional overtime that is only mandatory occasionally.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Melrose Park, IL.