Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician supports the Quality team by performing sample logging, testing, condition monitoring, and general lab upkeep. This role works closely with the R&D team, handling samples and performing production floor checks to ensure that high-performance petroleum products meet workmanship and quality standards. The Lab Technician uses instrumental analysis to support blending and packaging operations, performs day-to-day monitoring and testing, and provides initial start-up authorization to ensure reliability and conformance to specifications.

Responsibilities

• Log and receive samples, perform in-process testing, and maintain accurate records of all laboratory activities.
• Conduct condition monitoring and run laboratory tests to support the Quality department and production operations.
• Perform pipetting, titrations, fuel dilution testing, labeling, barcoding, and other wet chemistry techniques in accordance with lab quality standards.
• Execute laboratory tests throughout the full product life cycle, including but not limited to FTIR, viscosity, density, pour-point, cold crank, XRF, and ICP analyses.
• Calibrate, validate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Generate test results using the LIMS system and prepare clear, complete test reports as required.
• Maintain lab quality standards at all times, ensuring continuous documentation of results, records, and all other required reports.
• Support the blending and packaging functions of high-performance petroleum products through timely and accurate testing and approvals.
• Perform routine lab upkeep, including organization, cleanliness, and readiness of instruments and work areas.
• Conduct production floor quality control checks as needed to verify conformance to specifications.
• Work independently during designated hours while maintaining communication with the broader Quality and lab teams.
• Contribute positively to the lab's outgoing and collaborative culture by communicating effectively and supporting team goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related laboratory sciences coursework.
• 6-12 months of academic or quality laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience with basic wet chemistry techniques such as titrations and pipetting.
• Experience performing laboratory tests related to viscosity, density, and other physical property measurements.
• Familiarity with instrumental analysis methods such as FTIR, XRF, and ICP or similar techniques.
• Ability to calibrate, validate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments under guidance.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced lab environment while maintaining high quality standards.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in sample handling, testing, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently, especially during later shift hours, while following established procedures.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with Quality, Product Development, and Condition Monitoring teams.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple samples, tests, and priorities simultaneously.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ICP or ICP-MS instrumentation.
• Experience with troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration of a wide range of lab instruments.
• Any hands-on mechanical or technical experience, such as fixing cars, tinkering, or using hand tools.
• Demonstrated comfort in a fast-paced environment, supported by references.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, supported by references.
• Proven multi-tasking skills, supported by references.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, supported by references.
• Interest in analytical chemistry and working with advanced laboratory technologies.
• Familiarity with LIMS systems for data entry, results tracking, and report generation.

Work Environment

This role is primarily lab-based, with approximately 95% of the time spent working in a modern laboratory and about 5% on the production floor completing quality control checks. The lab is part of a 6-8 person Quality Control team that also supports Product Development and Condition Monitoring, and it houses more than 20 different instruments and machines. The environment features advanced tools such as a LIMS system, automated manufacturing lines, and high-end lab space. The culture is outgoing, collaborative, and supportive, with a focus on maintaining a positive company culture. Employees have access to comfortable amenities, including a lounge, entertainment area, and a full kitchen in the break room. The position follows a 2nd shift schedule, typically consisting of 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday and a 4-hour shift on Friday (6:00 pm-10:00 pm), with some variation by season and production needs. Initial training spans four weeks: the first two weeks run from 11:00 am-8:00 pm Monday through Thursday with a 12:00 pm-4:00 pm Friday shift, and the following two weeks run from 5:00 pm-1:00 am Monday through Thursday with a 2:00 pm-10:00 pm Friday shift. During part of the shift, particularly from 8:00 pm-1:00 am, the Lab Technician works alone in the lab while remaining connected to the broader team. The role includes eligibility for holiday pay on designated days and offers growth potential in a rapidly expanding organization that invests heavily in its laboratories and infrastructure.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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 Minneapolis,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 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.