Lab Technician

About the role

The Lab Technician performs chemical, biological, physical, and mechanical analyses and tests that support application engineering, research and development, and quality control activities. This hands-on role involves operating specialized laboratory equipment, following established procedures and methods, and contributing to the interpretation and documentation of test results.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical, biological, physical, and mechanical analyses and tests to support application engineering, research, development, and quality control of processes and products.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments, including scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers, as needed.
• Follow established laboratory procedures, methods, and safety protocols to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Compile, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data in a clear and organized manner using appropriate software tools.
• Identify issues or problems during testing and analysis, and seek guidance or collaborate with team members to resolve them when necessary.
• Apply knowledge of physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics to design and conduct experiments.
• Support product and process improvement initiatives by providing technically sound input based on laboratory findings.
• Recognize opportunities for product improvement or new product development through careful observation and analysis of test outcomes.
• Contribute innovative solutions to key technical problems and participate in advancing knowledge in areas of technological specialty.
• Handle and prepare samples involving dissolved gases, water filtration, water treatment, and related analyses.
• Use general knowledge of chemical usage and safety to conduct experiments safely and maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
• Work effectively as part of a self-directed team, communicating progress, challenges, and results in a timely manner.
• Perform hands-on tasks in varied environments, including areas where dust, dirt, and industrial fluids are present.
• Lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as required for laboratory and testing activities.
• Manage time effectively to meet testing schedules and project deadlines, including occasional work outside standard hours when needed.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience working in a laboratory or technical environment performing analytical tests and experiments.
• Strong mechanical and chemical aptitude, with the ability to work confidently with laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and methods while maintaining high standards of accuracy and reliability.
• Experience or familiarity with scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers.
• Background in physical chemistry or completion of coursework in physical chemistry.
• Experience with dissolved gases, water filtration, water treatment, and related analytical techniques.
• General knowledge of chemical usage and safety practices in a laboratory setting.
• Understanding of scientific and engineering principles relevant to physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to make technically sound contributions to solving problems and advancing knowledge in a technological specialty.
• Competence in recognizing product improvement and new product opportunities based on experimental data and observations.
• Computer literacy, including the use of software for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
• Willingness to work in different environments and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Ability to participate in a multi-step interview process, including virtual and in-person discussions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Extensive technical expertise acquired through laboratory experience and related coursework in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• History of technical leadership and contributions that have a significant impact on business or project outcomes.
• Ability to produce innovative solutions to key technical problems and to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Comfort working with advanced analytical equipment such as SEM, EDS, and TOC analyzers and learning new technologies as needed.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills for interpreting complex data sets.
• Computer literacy, including the use of software for data analysis and reporting.
• Willingness to work in different environments and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Ability to participate in a multi-step interview process, including virtual and in-person discussions.

Work Environment

This is a hands-on laboratory role based in a technical and industrial setting. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility required to occasionally work outside these hours to meet project or testing needs. The work involves regular use of specialized laboratory equipment, including scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers. The Lab Technician works in areas where dust, dirt, and industrial fluids may be present and must be comfortable performing physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds. The environment emphasizes safety, scientific rigor, collaboration within self-directed teams, and the use of computer systems for data analysis and documentation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Charlotte, NC.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $26.00/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)

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. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.