Quality Lab Technician
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About the role
As a Quality Lab Technician, you will support a manufacturing quality laboratory by performing physical testing and metrology measurements on materials and products. This role focuses on operating advanced laboratory instruments, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring results meet defined specifications and quality standards. You will play a key role in product disposition by accurately documenting findings and contributing to continuous quality improvement.
Responsibilities
- Perform physical testing in the quality laboratory, including measurements of thickness, density, surface roughness, and hardness.
- Operate metrology and laboratory instruments such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), confocal microscopes, thickness measurement systems, surface roughness measurement equipment, density testing equipment, and durometer hardness testers.
- Collect, analyze, and document test results in accordance with established quality procedures and laboratory protocols.
- Compare testing results to established specifications and acceptance criteria to support product disposition decisions.
- Conduct routine and non-routine inspections on materials and products to verify compliance with quality standards.
- Input test data into laboratory and quality systems, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
- Interpret test results and data trends to identify potential quality issues or deviations.
- Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, test reports, and documentation required by quality systems and procedures.
- Support product disposition activities by clearly and accurately reporting laboratory findings to relevant stakeholders.
- Operate, calibrate, and perform basic maintenance on laboratory and metrology instrumentation to ensure reliable performance.
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality system requirements in all laboratory activities.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment to support quality and production goals.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Biology, or a related science or engineering discipline.
- Previous experience working in a manufacturing quality laboratory.
- Hands-on experience operating laboratory or metrology instrumentation.
- Experience performing testing related to thickness, density, surface roughness, SEM, confocal microscopy, durometer hardness, and general metrology.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
- Experience documenting results and working within formal quality systems.
- Ability to interpret specifications and compare test results against defined acceptance criteria.
- Knowledge of GMP practices in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
Skills
- Experience with scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and/or confocal microscopy.
- Experience in a materials characterization lab, specialty chemical manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of metrology principles and measurement techniques.
- Experience working within ISO-regulated manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis and quality tools used in manufacturing and laboratory settings.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments in a growing organization.
Work Environment
This role is based in a quality laboratory within a manufacturing environment in Naperville, IL. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with potential opportunities to work additional hours if desired. The lab uses advanced metrology and analytical technologies, including scanning electron microscopes, confocal microscopes, thickness and surface roughness measurement systems, density testing equipment, and durometer hardness testers. The environment emphasizes adherence to quality procedures, GMP, and ISO-related standards, with a strong focus on accuracy, documentation, and safe laboratory practices.
Pay
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $40.00/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 the following:
- 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).
Schedule
Monday through Friday, typically from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with potential opportunities to work additional hours if desired.