R&D Lab technician (Pleasant Prairie)

Job Title: R&D Lab Technician

Location: Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin (onsite)

Pay: Up to $28.00 per hour

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 10-hour shifts. Every weekend is a 3-day weekend.

Employment Type: Full-time, hourly (non-exempt)

Reports to: R&D Formulation Manager

About the Role

Concept Labs makes personal care and cosmetic products for brands across the country. We are looking for an R&D Lab Technician to join our team at our Pleasant Prairie, WI manufacturing site. You will work in the lab every day, making small batches of new and improved formulas for client samples, stability tests, and other testing. You will also help keep the lab running by tracking raw materials, shipping samples, and working with our R&D, Product Development, Quality Control, and production teams.

You do not need a chemistry degree for this role. If you are careful, organized, and want to learn how cosmetic products are made, we will teach you. Our R&D Formulation Manager will travel to Pleasant Prairie to train you in person, and our tuition reimbursement program can help you keep building your science education.

What You’ll Do

In the lab

• Make (batch) new and improved formulas by following written procedures
• Measure and record pH, viscosity, and specific gravity to make sure every batch matches the last one
• Make larger batches for safety and stability testing
• Test the physical properties of finished products
• Fill product components for production trial runs and coordinate testing with manufacturing
• Help Quality Control solve problems related to a formula
• Clean, calibrate, and maintain lab equipment

Materials and inventory

• Receive, label, and track raw materials and raw material samples
• Manage bulk product inventory and client components for Product Development
• Order lab supplies and help order and receive new lab equipment
• Help our Los Angeles R&D chemists order and ship raw materials

Coordination and shipping

• Pack and ship samples to customers and third-party testing labs
• Coordinate priorities with the R&D Manager and Product Development Manager
• Support R&D chemists and Product Development coordinators with day-to-day requests
• Keep clear, organized records of all testing
• Follow good lab practices, GMP, and all safety rules

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED
• Strong attention to detail. You follow procedures exactly and record data accurately.
• Organized and able to juggle several tasks and priorities
• Comfortable with basic math such as weights, measurements, and percentages
• Good computer skills, including Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Clear communication in person, by phone, and by email
• Interest in cosmetics and personal care products, and eagerness to learn

Nice to have

• Coursework or a degree in chemistry, biology, or a related science. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in a lab, quality control, or manufacturing setting
• Experience with lab equipment or an ERP system

Training and Growth

• Hands-on, in-person training from our R&D Formulation Manager
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,000 per year toward an undergraduate degree and up to $3,000 per year toward a master’s degree
• Work alongside experienced chemists and learn how products go from formula to full production

Benefits

• 4-day workweek: Monday–Thursday, 10-hour shifts, with a 3-day weekend every week
• 401(k): Concept Labs puts 3% of your base pay into your 401(k) every year. You don’t have to contribute to receive it, and it’s 100% yours from day one.
• Fully paid insurance: Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability premiums are 100% paid by the company
• Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision, plus flexible spending accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care. Pet insurance is also available.
• Time off: Paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement: Up to $2,000 per year (undergraduate) or $3,000 per year (master’s)

Physical Requirements

• Sit, stand, and walk for long periods
• Use your hands to handle lab equipment and computers
• Reach, bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch as needed
• Lift up to 10 lbs often and up to 25 lbs occasionally
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Concept Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.