Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

This Lab Technician role focuses on processing and analyzing oil, fuel, and coolant samples to support predictive maintenance of heavy equipment. You will work in a high-volume, industrial laboratory, using a range of analytical instruments and following strict standard operating procedures to deliver accurate, timely results for internal and external clients. The position offers comprehensive cross-training on multiple lab stations and clear pathways for career growth within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, process, and handle laboratory samples accurately and efficiently.

• Dilute samples for ICP analysis, perform visual checks, and program the ICP computer to run tests.

• Run samples on FTIR instruments, select appropriate reference oils, and ensure proper transfer of data to the computer system.

• Complete detailed visual notes and observations on coolant, fuel, and oil samples.

• Assist with running daily verification samples to ensure instrument accuracy and data reliability.

• Handle rush samples by re-prioritizing workload to meet client deadlines without compromising quality.

• Maintain laboratory equipment in good working condition by following cleaning, calibration, and basic maintenance procedures.

• Walk to various parts of the facility to pick up samples from the production area as needed.

• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), lab guidelines, and client specifications for testing and reporting.

• Record data accurately, maintain clear and complete lab notes, and support quality control and quality assurance processes.

• Work collaboratively with the lab team to prioritize and re-prioritize tasks throughout the day to meet sample deadlines.

• Participate in cross-training on all lab stations, including ICP, IR, gas chromatography (GC), viscosity, particle count, and sample sorting and preparation.

• Contribute to a deadline-driven, production-oriented environment by managing multiple tasks and maintaining productivity.

• Receive and apply constructive performance feedback to improve skills and maintain high-quality work.

Essential Skills

• Experience in laboratory work, quality control, wet chemistry, and analytical testing of samples.

• Hands-on experience with sample preparation and processing in a lab environment.

• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) principles.

• Familiarity with analytical techniques and instruments such as ICP, IR, gas chromatography, and viscosity testing.

• Understanding of laboratory guidelines, client specifications, and the importance of accurate data analysis and record-keeping.

• Strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset to support continuous coordination with colleagues.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and adjust priorities quickly to meet deadlines.

• Comfort working on your feet for extended periods and moving between different areas of the facility.

• Attention to detail and accuracy in recording lab notes, observations, and test results.

• Willingness to work hard, learn new techniques, and adapt to changing priorities.

• Ability to accept and apply constructive feedback to improve performance.

• Basic computer proficiency for data entry, instrument interfaces, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in biology is preferred.

• Prior job experience in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment (such as serving or bartending) where you managed multiple tasks, worked on your feet, and met time-sensitive demands.

• Interest in gaining hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation, including GC, IR, and ICP.

• Motivation to grow within the organization, with potential career paths into senior lab technician, project clerk, evaluator, or other internal roles.

• Adaptability and resilience in a repetitive, production-focused lab setting.

• Strong interpersonal skills to support continuous communication and collaboration within a small lab team.

Work Environment

You will work in a small lab team of fewer than ten people within an industrial laboratory setting. The environment is very production-focused and repetitive, with the team processing approximately 1,000 to 1,100 samples per day to meet strict client deadlines. The lab is not a glamorous research environment; it is highly practical and industrial, supporting predictive maintenance of heavy equipment. Team members communicate frequently throughout the day to re-prioritize work, divide duties, and ensure the lab closes on time.

You may need to enter the production area to pick up samples; this area is very busy and noisy, which can be overwhelming for some individuals. The standard shift is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with training conducted on the same schedule. During rotations at the ICP station (typically one week every five weeks), the shift changes to Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No overtime is expected while working on contract. The dress code in the lab is very casual, with jeans and t-shirts acceptable, provided you appear neat and presentable. Closed-toe shoes are required, and a lab coat is provided. Because you may spill samples, you should be comfortable with the possibility that your clothing could become permanently stained. The lab leadership emphasizes organic growth, cross-training, and engagement, offering a supportive environment where team members are encouraged to develop their skills without being micro-managed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Aurora,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.