Chemical Lab Technician

Job Title: Chemical Lab Technician

Job Description

The Chemical Lab Technician works hands-on in an industrial chemistry laboratory performing a wide range of analytical tests on metal products. This role focuses primarily on chemical analysis using advanced instrumentation and requires meticulous attention to detail, strong laboratory skills, and a willingness to learn and grow long term. The position offers opportunities to develop new skills, work with diverse industries, and advance into other technical areas within the organization. Spend approximately 90% of the workday conducting analyses in the chemistry lab and about 10% preparing samples for testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized chemical tests on metal products, including ICP, OES, LECO, and density testing, to certify various types of metal materials.
• Prepare metal samples for analysis by cutting, grinding, sanding, and preparing surfaces using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, qualify, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment under the direction of a senior chemist.
• Ensure that test machines and analytical instruments are properly calibrated and functioning correctly before use.
• Follow detailed written and verbal procedures, methods, and protocols to ensure consistent and compliant testing.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, records, and documentation in accordance with internal standards and accreditation requirements.
• Support day-to-day operational activities of the chemistry lab, including general housekeeping, organization of work areas, and care of equipment.
• Apply mathematical concepts to calculate concentrations, interpret results, and verify data accuracy.
• Take accountability for personal learning and development by actively seeking feedback, taking notes, and applying lessons learned to improve performance.
• Collaborate effectively with team members while also working independently on assigned tasks and projects.
• Adhere to safety procedures and best practices while working with industrial equipment, furnaces, saws, and other tools used in metal sample preparation.
• Contribute to a culture of quality, reliability, and continuous improvement in all laboratory activities.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on laboratory experience and basic lab skills, which may come from academic laboratory courses or professional lab work.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when preparing samples, running tests, and recording data.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal procedures, methods, and standard operating protocols.
• Comfort working in an industrial lab environment that includes metal preparation, furnaces, saws, and other mechanical equipment.
• Ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts to support testing, calculations, and data interpretation.
• Strong communication skills to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and other departments.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced testing environment.
• Attention to safety practices and safe handling of tools, equipment, and materials.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science discipline preferred
• Experience or familiarity with metal testing techniques
• Experience or hobby involving hands-on mechanical, construction, automotive, or shop work is a plus, given the industrial and mechanical nature of sample preparation.
• Demonstrated work ethic, reliability, and a strong desire to learn and grow within a technical laboratory setting.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, first-shift position, typically scheduled Monday through Friday for 40 hours per week plus a 30-minute unpaid lunch, for an 8.5-hour workday. Core hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The role is based in an industrial metallurgical testing laboratory that includes both a chemistry lab area and a metal sample preparation and industrial floor area. Candidates will work in warm and sometimes humid conditions when performing sample preparation on the industrial floor. The position involves handling some industrial equipment used to cut, grind, and prepare metal samples, as well as operating analytical instruments and testing equipment.

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.