Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician
Job Description
The Lab Technician performs a wide range of chemical, physical, and instrumental tests on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and customer samples to ensure consistent product quality and process control. This role follows established analytical procedures, maintains accurate documentation, and collaborates closely with Quality, Production, and R&D teams while working safely with hazardous materials in a laboratory environment.
Responsibilities

• Perform chemical, physical, and instrumental testing on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and customer product samples using techniques such as volumetric and gravimetric analyses, pH measurement, FTIR, specific gravity (SPG), refractive index (RI), and other instrumental methods.
• Conduct functional testing, including International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS) and thermal conductivity measurements, as needed to support product and process evaluation.
• Follow written analytical procedures and test methods precisely to ensure reliable and repeatable results.
• Validate established analytical methods and assist in troubleshooting testing procedures to maintain high standards of product quality.
• Collect, enter, review, and validate test data in WinLIMS or similar laboratory data management systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Perform calculations related to test results and prepare data summaries for review and approval.
• Communicate sample status, test progress, and final results clearly and promptly to Quality, Production, and R&D teams.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), test methods, protocols, deviations, batch records, and certificates of analysis (COAs).
• Handle hazardous materials safely by following all site safety procedures, chemical hygiene protocols, and proper storage and disposal practices.
• Monitor laboratory processes and troubleshoot basic process issues, escalating more complex problems appropriately.
• Support quality control activities by focusing on process control, thorough documentation, and adherence to quality standards.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment, following instructions and contributing to continuous improvement of laboratory operations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience in quality control or analytical testing in a laboratory setting, which may include materials testing, metals testing, or academic lab experience.
• Ability to perform chemical and physical analyses such as volumetric and gravimetric testing, pH measurement, FTIR, SPG, and RI.
• Experience conducting functional tests such as IACS and thermal conductivity or the ability to learn these techniques.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and the ability to log and manage process data.
• Capability to use or quickly learn WinLIMS or similar laboratory information management systems for data entry and validation.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on process control, accurate documentation, and maintaining high quality standards.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, follow written and verbal instructions, and communicate clearly with cross-functional groups.
• Hands-on approach to laboratory work with good time management skills to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Commitment to safe handling of hazardous materials and adherence to site safety and chemical hygiene protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with statistical analysis software such as Minitab is a plus and supports data analysis and process improvement activities.
• Material testing or experience working with metals is beneficial for supporting product and process characterization.
• Prior quality control experience in an industrial or research laboratory environment is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain organized records, including SOPs, test methods, protocols, deviations, batch records, and COAs.
• Strong communication skills for effectively sharing test results and sample status with Quality, Production, and R&D teams.
• Demonstrated reliability, initiative, and a hands-on mindset in a laboratory or technical environment.

Work Environment
This role operates in a laboratory environment that focuses on quality control and analytical testing of materials and products. The Lab Technician uses a variety of analytical instruments and tools, including FTIR, pH meters, equipment for volumetric and gravimetric analysis, and instruments for measuring specific gravity, refractive index, IACS, and thermal conductivity. Work involves handling hazardous chemicals and materials, requiring strict adherence to site safety procedures, chemical hygiene protocols, and proper storage and disposal practices. The position is highly collaborative, with frequent interaction with Quality, Production, and R&D teams, and relies on laboratory information management systems such as WinLIMS and common office software like Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to manage data and documentation. The environment emphasizes accuracy, process control, and thorough documentation while supporting a team-oriented culture focused on maintaining product quality.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of San Jose, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $34.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 San Jose,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.


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 View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.



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.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.