Chemical Lab Technician

Chemical Laboratory TechnicianThis role offers a hands-on opportunity in an industrial chemistry laboratory, where you will prepare and test metal samples using both laboratory instruments and power tools. You will support a wide range of industries by performing chemical and metallurgical analyses that certify the quality and properties of metal products. The position provides strong training, cross-departmental growth opportunities, and a clear path to develop skills in areas such as safety, quality, engineering, and chemistry.ResponsibilitiesPrepare metal samples for testing by cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing, and preparing surfaces using power and industrial tools such as saws, grinders, polishers, drills, and furnaces.Perform a variety of chemical and metallurgical tests on metal products in the laboratory, including ICP, OES, LECO, and density testing, to certify various types of metal products.Work under the direct supervision of a senior chemist or chemist to perform analyses of client samples in accordance with detailed written and verbal procedures.Operate, maintain, calibrate, and qualify laboratory equipment and instruments, and assist in troubleshooting basic equipment issues to ensure accurate and reliable test results.Ensure that test machines and instruments are properly calibrated and functioning correctly before use, following established quality and calibration protocols.Perform day-to-day operational activities in the chemistry lab, including housekeeping, organizing work areas, and maintaining a safe and orderly environment.Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and records, documenting methods, observations, and test results in a clear and traceable manner.Prepare reports and documentation of test results, ensuring data is recorded accurately and communicated clearly to the appropriate stakeholders.Follow all laboratory procedures, safety guidelines, and quality standards to ensure tests are performed to required specifications and accreditation requirements.Collaborate with team members and support other departments as needed, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and cross-functional growth.Apply basic mathematical concepts to calculate, interpret, and verify test data and measurements.Demonstrate a willingness to learn new methods, equipment, and processes, and to expand skills into other areas such as safety, quality, engineering, and advanced chemistry.Essential SkillsLaboratory experience and basic laboratory skills, including sample handling, measurement, and documentation.Industrial laboratory experience, preferably in a metals lab environment, with exposure to metal testing or metallurgical processes.Hands-on experience handling power tools such as grinders, saws, polishers, drills, and similar equipment.Familiarity with chemical testing methods such as ICP, OES, LECO, and spectrometry, or the ability and willingness to learn these techniques.Ability to follow detailed written and verbal procedures accurately and consistently.Ability to understand and apply basic mathematical concepts in a laboratory setting.Ability to work effectively both on a team and independently with minimal supervision.Strong communication skills to document results clearly and collaborate with colleagues.High school diploma with 1–2 years of laboratory experience, preferably in a metals laboratory, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on lab experience.Willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks, tools, and testing methods in a dynamic industrial lab environment.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in metals testing, metallurgical laboratories, or industrial chemistry environments.Spectrometer experience, including ICP and OES spectrometry, is highly preferred but not required.LECO analysis experience or familiarity with combustion-based analytical techniques.Background or hobby in mechanical, construction, automotive, or shop work, especially working on cars or machinery, which supports the hands-on nature of the role.Materials science, chemistry, or related technical education or degree is beneficial, especially for candidates interested in long-term growth.Interest in developing a career across multiple technical disciplines, including safety, quality, engineering, and chemistry.Demonstrated initiative to take charge of personal career development and learn new skills across different departments.Comfort working in an industrial setting rather than a traditional clean academic lab.Work EnvironmentThis role is based in an industrial metallurgical testing laboratory that operates on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, for 40 hours per week with a 30-minute unpaid lunch (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). After training, there is flexibility within first-shift hours, and occasional overtime may be available or required. The facility is a full-service metallurgical testing laboratory that performs failure analysis, chemical analysis, mechanical testing, metallographic examination, and precision sample preparation using CNC milling and cutting equipment. The environment is more industrial than a traditional clean lab, and portions of the work take place on an active production floor where metal sample preparation and testing occur. You will work in warm and humid conditions at times, especially when working in the metal sample preparation area and near furnaces or heavy equipment. You will handle furnaces, saws, grinders, and other industrial tools for metal preparation, and use laboratory instruments such as ICP, OES, LECO, and density measurement equipment for testing. The lab operates under recognized quality and accreditation standards, and all tests follow required specifications. The culture emphasizes strong work ethic, continuous learning, and internal mobility, with opportunities to move into other departments and disciplines over time. The position offers holiday pay during the contract period and supports a healthy work-life balance through a stable first-shift schedule and flexible hours after training.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Franklin Park, IL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/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 & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Franklin Park, IL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 2026.About ActalentActalent 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.