Chemical Lab Technician

Contract to Hire position based in Franklin Park, IL.

About the role

This hands-on opportunity in an industrial chemistry laboratory involves preparing and testing metal samples using both laboratory instruments and power tools. You will support a wide range of industries by performing chemical and metallurgical analyses that certify the quality and properties of metal products. The position provides strong training, cross-departmental growth opportunities, and a clear path to develop skills in areas such as safety, quality, engineering, and chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metal samples for testing by cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing, and preparing surfaces using power and industrial tools such as saws, grinders, polishers, drills, and furnaces.
• Perform a variety of chemical and metallurgical tests on metal products in the laboratory, including ICP, OES, LECO, and density testing, to certify various types of metal products.
• Work under the direct supervision of a senior chemist or chemist to perform analyses of client samples in accordance with detailed written and verbal procedures.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and qualify laboratory equipment and instruments, and assist in troubleshooting basic equipment issues to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Ensure that test machines and instruments are properly calibrated and functioning correctly before use, following established quality and calibration protocols.
• Perform day-to-day operational activities in the chemistry lab, including housekeeping, organizing work areas, and maintaining a safe and orderly environment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and records, documenting methods, observations, and test results in a clear and traceable manner.
• Prepare reports and documentation of test results, ensuring data is recorded accurately and communicated clearly to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Follow all laboratory procedures, safety guidelines, and quality standards to ensure tests are performed to required specifications and accreditation requirements.
• Collaborate with team members and support other departments as needed, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and cross-functional growth.
• Apply basic mathematical concepts to calculate, interpret, and verify test data and measurements.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new methods, equipment, and processes, and to expand skills into other areas such as safety, quality, engineering, and advanced chemistry.

Requirements

• High school diploma with 1–2 years of laboratory experience, preferably in a metals laboratory, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on lab experience.
• Laboratory experience and basic laboratory skills, including sample handling, measurement, and documentation.
• Industrial laboratory experience, preferably in a metals lab environment, with exposure to metal testing or metallurgical processes.
• Hands-on experience handling power tools such as grinders, saws, polishers, drills, and similar equipment.
• Familiarity with chemical testing methods such as ICP, OES, LECO, and spectrometry, or the ability and willingness to learn these techniques.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal procedures accurately and consistently.
• Ability to understand and apply basic mathematical concepts in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to work effectively both on a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills to document results clearly and collaborate with colleagues.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks, tools, and testing methods in a dynamic industrial lab environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in metals testing, metallurgical laboratories, or industrial chemistry environments.
• Spectrometer experience, including ICP and OES spectrometry, is highly preferred but not required.
• LECO analysis experience or familiarity with combustion-based analytical techniques.
• Background or hobby in mechanical, construction, automotive, or shop work, especially working on cars or machinery, which supports the hands-on nature of the role.
• Materials science, chemistry, or related technical education or degree is beneficial, especially for candidates interested in long-term growth.
• Interest in developing a career across multiple technical disciplines, including safety, quality, engineering, and chemistry.
• Demonstrated initiative to take charge of personal career development and learn new skills across different departments.
• Comfort working in an industrial setting rather than a traditional clean academic lab.

Work Environment

This role is based in an industrial metallurgical testing laboratory that operates on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, for 40 hours per week with a 30-minute unpaid lunch (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). After training, there is flexibility within first-shift hours, and occasional overtime may be available or required.

The facility is a full-service metallurgical testing laboratory that performs failure analysis, chemical analysis, mechanical testing, metallographic examination, and precision sample preparation using CNC milling and cutting equipment. The environment is more industrial than a traditional clean lab, and portions of the work take place on an active production floor where metal sample preparation and testing occur. You will work in warm and humid conditions at times, especially when working in the metal sample preparation area and near furnaces or heavy equipment.

You will handle furnaces, saws, grinders, and other industrial tools for metal preparation, and use laboratory instruments such as ICP, OES, LECO, and density measurement equipment for testing. The lab operates under recognized quality and accreditation standards, and all tests follow required specifications. The culture emphasizes strong work ethic, continuous learning, and internal mobility, with opportunities to move into other departments and disciplines over time.

Schedule

• First-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
• 30-minute unpaid lunch.
• Flexibility within first-shift hours after training.
• Occasional overtime may be available or required.

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 be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role 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).
• Holiday pay during the contract period.