Lab Technician

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Job Description

This Laboratory Technician role supports an electroplating process by performing hands-on testing, analysis, and documentation in a production-focused lab environment. You will collect and prepare samples, run wet chemistry and instrumentation tests, and maintain accurate records that help ensure product quality and process stability. The position is ideal for someone with a degree in a scientific or technical discipline, or for someone with prior QA, QC, or lab technician experience who enjoys both independent work and close collaboration with production teams.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples from process tanks and other production areas according to established procedures.

• Prepare samples for analysis using appropriate wet chemistry and laboratory techniques.

• Perform routine analysis of process tanks and solutions to support the electroplating process.

• Measure and record pH, conductivity, and heavy metal concentrations using ICP and other lab equipment.

• Conduct salt spray corrosion testing and monitor test progress and results.

• Perform titrations and other wet chemistry tests to verify solution concentrations and quality.

• Enter test results and process data into laboratory and quality systems with a high level of accuracy.

• Maintain organized, complete, and compliant records to support quality control and process traceability.

• Calibrate laboratory instruments and equipment on a regular schedule and document calibration activities.

• Support electroplating and production operations by providing timely test results and clear communication of findings.

• Communicate effectively with production staff and supervisors who visit the lab to ask questions or request data.

• Interpret test results, form informed opinions about process conditions, and escalate concerns when necessary.

• Follow laboratory safety procedures, good housekeeping practices, and standard operating procedures at all times.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in chemistry, biology, physics, or mathematics, ideally obtained recently.

• Alternatively, prior experience in QA, QC, or as a laboratory technician in an industrial or manufacturing environment.

• Hands-on experience or strong aptitude for wet chemistry techniques such as titrations.

• Comfort working with instrumentation such as pH meters, conductivity meters, and ICP for heavy metal analysis.

• Strong attention to detail in sample collection, preparation, testing, and record keeping.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing daily testing tasks.

• Clear and confident verbal communication skills to interact with production teams and supervisors.

• Approachable demeanor and willingness to answer questions and explain test results.

• Ability to form and communicate informed opinions about data and process conditions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in quality control or quality assurance within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience performing corrosion testing, including salt spray testing.

• Familiarity with electroplating processes or metal finishing operations.

• Comfort working around shop-floor equipment and tools, even if primarily lab-based.

• Strong organizational skills for maintaining calibration records and test documentation.

• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory environment that directly supports a large, modern manufacturing facility focused on commercial plumbing systems and water-saving solutions. You will work in the lab Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., primarily alongside a Lab Manager, with regular interaction with production staff and supervisors who visit the lab. The facility is sizeable and well-equipped, with a café adjacent to the shop and frequent team barbecues and lunches that foster a collaborative, community-oriented culture. The lab uses a range of equipment, including pH meters, conductivity meters, ICP instruments, and tools for salt spray corrosion testing and wet chemistry. The atmosphere combines independent, focused lab work with regular communication and support for the production floor, offering a stable schedule and a professional yet friendly environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Franklin Park, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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 Franklin Park,IL.

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.