Chemical Lab Technician

Job Description

The Chemical Lab Technician works hands-on in an industrial chemistry laboratory performing a wide range of tests on metal products to certify their composition and quality. In this role, you spend most of your time conducting analytical tests using advanced instrumentation such as ICP, OES, LECO, and density testing equipment, while also preparing metal samples through cutting, grinding, sanding, and surface preparation. You work under the guidance of experienced chemists, gain exposure to metallurgical testing and failure analysis, and contribute directly to supporting critical industries including transportation, medical devices, aerospace, defense, rockets, and satellites. This position offers strong opportunities to learn new skills, grow into other technical departments, and build a long-term career in a global laboratory network.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of analytical tests on metal products in the chemistry lab, including ICP, OES, LECO, and density testing, to certify various types of metal products.

• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instruments at a basic level under guidance when issues arise, ensuring minimal downtime and accurate test results.

• Ensure that test machines and instruments are properly calibrated before each use and that all calibrations follow documented procedures and specifications.

• Conduct alloy identification and metal testing using techniques such as LECO analysis, pipe weld testing, XRF, ICP, Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), and Positive Material Identification (PMI), as assigned.

• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory notebooks and records, documenting procedures, test conditions, observations, and results in a clear and organized manner.

• Prepare reports and documentation of test results, ensuring clarity, completeness, and alignment with required specifications and accreditation standards.

• Support day-to-day operational activities in the chemistry lab, including housekeeping, organizing work areas, and maintaining a safe and orderly lab environment.

• Follow detailed written and verbal procedures, standard operating procedures, and test specifications to ensure consistent and reliable testing.

• Apply basic mathematical concepts to calculations related to testing, calibration, and data analysis, ensuring accurate interpretation of test results.

• Take accountability for personal learning and development by actively seeking feedback, taking notes, and applying improvements to daily work.

• Communicate clearly with colleagues and leadership regarding test progress, issues encountered, and any deviations from standard procedures.

• Participate in cross-training and learning opportunities in other departments such as Safety, Quality, Engineering, or Chemistry as career growth allows.

• Handle furnaces, saws, and other industrial equipment during metal sample preparation, following all safety protocols and equipment guidelines.

• Support the laboratory’s role as a full-service metallurgical testing facility by contributing to chemical analysis and other testing activities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline, such as chemistry or a related field.

• Laboratory experience and basic lab skills, which may be gained through academic laboratory courses or prior work experience.

• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal procedures accurately and consistently.

• Strong attention to detail and a careful, methodical approach to laboratory work.

• Experience testing metals, particularly in a metals or metallurgical laboratory, is highly beneficial.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Melrose Park, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/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 Melrose Park,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 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.