R&D Lab Technician - Entry Level

Job Title: R&D Lab TechnicianJob Description

The R&D Lab Technician supports the product development laboratory by executing developmental, experimental, and scale-up formulas and processes. Working under the direction of a manager or formulation chemist, this role involves hands-on formulation work, analytical testing, and careful documentation to help bring new products from concept to production. The technician contributes directly to product innovation, quality, and cost optimization while maintaining a safe and organized laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct trial bench-top mixes and prepare experimental batches in support of product development projects.

• Support scale-up batches by assisting with processing, monitoring, and documentation as products move from lab to larger-scale production.

• Perform color matching for product development formulations to ensure consistency and alignment with product specifications.

• Execute analytical testing on raw materials, fill mixtures, and finished capsule products, including tests for color, specific gravity, viscosity, particle size, disintegration, and pH.

• Accurately record analytical test data in computer databases and laboratory notebooks, ensuring traceability and data integrity.

• Operate laboratory processing equipment safely and effectively, including setup, operation, calibration, cleaning, and routine maintenance.

• Verify weights and seams during experimental runs and document all inputs, results, and observations in Experimental Run Reports.

• Gather and stage raw materials for bench mixes and pilot batches to ensure efficient workflow and accurate formulations.

• Maintain retained samples in an organized manner and manage laboratory filing systems for formulas, test results, and reports.

• Support the sourcing of new raw materials by obtaining samples and required documentation from suppliers.

• Assist with product costing by supporting cost estimations and updating raw material and product cost information.

• Communicate findings, observations, and test results clearly to managers, chemists, and other stakeholders as needed.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.

• Ability to write clear and accurate reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

• Ability to present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

• Strong attention to detail in laboratory work, documentation, and data entry.

• Hands-on laboratory skills and comfort working with lab equipment and materials.

• Ability to perform analytical testing such as color, specific gravity, viscosity, particle size, disintegration, and pH measurements.

• Organizational skills to maintain samples, records, and filing systems in a structured and accessible manner.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a laboratory environment as a lab technician or in a research and development setting.

• Comfort working with experimental formulations and supporting scale-up processes.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with formulation chemists, managers, and cross-functional teams.

• Interest in long-term growth and development within a product development or R&D career path.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and electrical risk. The noise level is moderate, and you will frequently use your hands for handling and manipulating materials and equipment, as well as for operating instruments and computers. The position requires regular standing, walking, and sitting, along with the ability to occasionally lift and move up to 40 pounds. Close vision and accurate color vision are important for tasks such as color matching and reading instruments. The work setting supports long-term professional growth and development while emphasizing safety, precision, and collaboration.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Commerce, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

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 Commerce,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 10, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.