Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician performs a wide range of laboratory tests and quality assurance activities to ensure materials and processes meet required specifications. This role focuses on setting up and running physical, chemical, and environmental tests, accurately recording and analyzing data, maintaining laboratory equipment, and supporting material control in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and perform government tests such as climbing drum peels and lap shears, including preparing specimens, configuring machines and chart recorders, running tests, reading results, and entering data into the computer.
• Conduct flame tests by setting up test equipment, identifying specimens, running the tests, measuring results, and recording all data accurately in the computer.
• Perform 168-hour tests by preparing samples, setting up equipment and chart recorders, running tests to completion, and entering results into the appropriate electronic worksheets.
• Measure airborne particles in layup and prime rooms, calculate average readings, and enter results into the computer for ongoing environmental monitoring.
• Monitor solution temperatures and water purity by taking readings of rinse water, recording results, and documenting tank temperatures in the computer.
• Monitor and record temperature, humidity, and pressure differential in prime and layup rooms, and change and store charts from the lab, layup, and prime areas.
• Perform solution analysis by testing aluminum and acid concentrations in deoxidizing and anodizing tanks and alkaline concentration in cleaner tanks, including preparing beakers, collecting samples, calibrating and maintaining pH and aluminum meters, running tests, and recording results in computerized charts.
• Communicate test findings and required adjustments to process operators and ensure proper cleanup and storage of equipment and chemicals after solution analysis.
• Conduct material testing for initial inspection and revalidation to verify conformance to specifications, including tests such as visual inspection, resin content, volatile content, gel time, flow, tack, lap shear, T-peel, thickness, expansion, density, hardness, compression strength, viscosity, and pot life.
• Manage material control for time- and temperature-sensitive materials by tracking expiration dates, remaining shelf life, in-time and out-time, and maintaining inventory of kits and materials in freezers, the lab, layup room, prime room, and shop floor.
• Issue weekly wedge crack test travelers to the appropriate processing line, record received results, and maintain automated reports that summarize averages and test outcomes.
• Perform general laboratory support activities including inventorying, ordering, and stocking lab supplies, maintaining and cleaning equipment, and keeping the lab clean and organized.
• Check certifications of received goods, issue test travelers, print labels, inventory expired products, and file and organize certifications, purchase orders, and test documentation.
• Use gauges, measuring equipment, and other detection methods to verify product conformance to specifications.
• Maintain the integrity of the Quality Management System at all times in relation to quality assurance processes and documentation.
• Work independently to meet commitments, adapt to changes, manage workload effectively, and maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of experience in an inspection environment.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write clear and simple correspondence and present information effectively in one-on-one and small group settings.
• Ability to solve practical problems and work with a variety of concrete variables where limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, and schedule instructions and apply common sense understanding to carry out tasks.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to understand and follow technical specifications.
• Basic understanding of material management and material testing processes.
• Ability to use gauges, measuring equipment, and detection methods to confirm product conformance.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software, including Excel and word processing applications.
• Ability to meet commitments, work independently, accept accountability, handle changes, maintain focus under pressure, and meet attendance and punctuality expectations.
• Eligibility to meet Export Control compliance requirements as a US Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technology or science-based field is preferred.
• Direct composite testing experience of at least 1-3 years is preferred.
• Knowledge of Epicor or similar ERP software is preferred.
• Experience with laboratory quality assurance and quality control practices.
• Familiarity with chemistry-related lab work such as titration and solution analysis.
• Experience with techniques such as HPLC is beneficial but not required.

Work Environment

This role is based 100% in a manufacturing area and follows a Monday-Friday schedule, typically 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The environment includes moderate noise levels and frequent work near moving mechanical parts, approximately 90% of the time. The position involves exposure to fumes or airborne particles about 50% of the time. Work is performed in and around laboratory, layup, prime, and shop floor areas with process equipment, test machines, and computer systems. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and required as needed for safe operation in a production and lab setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Berlin, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 Berlin,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 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.