Lab Technician

About the role

This role supports a quality-focused laboratory that evaluates the integrity of incoming raw materials and outgoing finished products for industrial chemicals, water treatment, and process improvement solutions. The Laboratory Technician prepares reagents, performs wet chemistry and instrumental analyses, records and manages data in SAP and LIMS systems, and maintains organized documentation and retain samples.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing on incoming raw materials and outgoing finished products using established methods to verify quality and compliance with specifications.
• Prepare laboratory reagents accurately and safely according to standard procedures.
• Conduct wet chemistry analyses, including titrations, pH measurements, viscosity, specific gravity, and other routine tests.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments such as FTIR and other analytical equipment as required.
• Record, enter, and maintain test data in SAP and LIMS systems with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• File and maintain vendor certifications, raw material inspection records, and production inspection documentation in the appropriate areas.
• Organize and store retain samples in designated holding areas, ensuring proper labeling and traceability.
• Participate in general housekeeping activities, including routine cleaning and basic maintenance of laboratory equipment and work areas.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and quality control protocols to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.
• Perform additional laboratory and quality-related duties as requested by management to support operational needs.

Essential Skills

• Four-year degree in a science field such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or a closely related discipline (Chemistry preferred).
• 0–2 years of experience in a laboratory, quality assurance, or quality control environment.
• Hands-on experience or coursework in wet chemistry techniques, including titrations.
• Ability to perform pH measurements accurately and interpret results.
• Experience measuring viscosity and specific gravity in a laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) instrumentation and analysis.
• Understanding of basic quality assurance and quality control principles.
• Proficiency in recording and managing data in electronic systems, including SAP and LIMS, or similar platforms.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to follow standard operating procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in industrial chemicals, water treatment, or process improvement solutions is beneficial.
• Interest in sustainability-focused work that supports industries such as chemical processing, food and beverage, and manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot basic laboratory issues.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with colleagues and documenting findings.
• Motivation to learn new analytical techniques and expand technical capabilities.
• Desire to grow within a laboratory or quality-focused career path in an industrial setting.

Work Environment

The position is based in a Chicago laboratory that supports industrial chemicals, water treatment, and process improvement solutions. The work schedule is primarily Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with flexibility for an alternative schedule and weekend work as needed to support operational demands. The environment is hands-on and laboratory-based, involving regular use of wet chemistry techniques, FTIR instrumentation, and measurements of pH, viscosity, and specific gravity. Team members work in a structured, safety-conscious setting that emphasizes reliability, quality, and continuous improvement, with opportunities for professional growth and exposure to a variety of industrial and sustainability-focused applications.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/hr.

Requirements

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your 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 the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.