R&D Lab Technician

Job Title: R&D Laboratory Technician

Job Description

We are seeking an R&D Laboratory Technician to support product development, testing, and quality initiatives in a manufacturing laboratory environment. This role involves assisting with laboratory batch preparation, product testing, equipment calibration, documentation, and providing cross-functional support with Quality and Production teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory batches, formulations, and samples according to established procedures.
• Perform physical, chemical, and performance testing on materials and products.
• Record and maintain accurate laboratory data, test results, and project documentation.
• Support new product development and assist with product launches into manufacturing.
• Maintain raw material records, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment and testing instruments.
• Assist with troubleshooting product and process issues as needed.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Production teams to meet project objectives.
• Calibrate and keep records of instruments such as FTIR and others.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry.
• Experience in chemistry and R&D.
• Proficiency in lab safety and raw material testing.
• Ability to create batches and handle chemical manufacturing processes.
• Experience with lab testing equipment such as Instron, QUV weatherometer, Impact Tester, Resiliometer, and FTIR.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Testing for basic chemistry.
• Knowledge in lab safety and chemical handling safety.

Work Environment

The role operates within a manufacturing laboratory environment, specifically dealing with Urethane chemistry in the cold-cast division. The position is based in Santa Fe Springs, CA, and requires working from Monday to Friday with an 8-hour workday starting around 7 or 8 AM. The employee will be exposed to strong-smelling chemicals as they create polymers, coatings, and epoxies for various industries. The work setting is collaborative, and a focus on safety and organization is essential.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Fe Springs, CA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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 & 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)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Fe Springs, CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Santa Fe Springs,CA.

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.