Assistant Lab Manager

SWD Inc.; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 56,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Lab Assistant to join their team in Addison, IL. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to support laboratory operations, including waste treatment, safety compliance, and training. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the correct operation of equipment and maintaining data logs while working in a dynamic environment. If you possess strong communication skills, physical stamina, and a keen eye for detail, this role is perfect for you. Join a company that values your contributions and offers competitive pay and benefits from day one!

Benefits

Pay Every Friday

Start earning PTO on Day 1

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) and Profit Sharing

Eight Paid Holidays

Sick Days

Company Paid Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Referral bonuses

Fitness Membership Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with several years of manufacturing experience.
• Strong communication and attention to detail are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lab Manager with supervisory duties and maintain safety compliance.
• Perform waste treatment duties and monitor chemical inventories.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis of materials.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Basic reading, writing and math skills

Ability to work independently and with a team

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Experience in manufacturing or production

Tools

Forklift

Job description

This role is 100% on-site daily in Addison, IL. Please keep this in mind when applying.

About Us:

SWD Inc. opened for business in March 1980 with three employees in a 9,000 sq. ft. leased facility and began black oxiding, cleaning, and pickling operations with used equipment. In late 1980, the company began passivating stainless steel and in 1981 purchased Fastener Sorting Corporation. Today, a recognized leader in the Metal Finishing and Fastener Sorting fields, SWD Inc. has over 200 employees and runs three shifts per day in its 250,000 sq. ft. facility just west of Chicago in Addison, Illinois.

Note: SWD is a Drug-Free workplace. All job offers are contingent on successful completion of a Background Check, Drug Screen, and Pre-Employment Physical.

What We're Seeking:

We seek a full-time 1st Shift Lab Assistant who supports the Lab Manager by performing waste treatment duties, maintaining data logs, ensuring safety compliance, and assisting in training. They test materials, monitor chemical inventories, and ensure equipment operates correctly. Strong communication skills, physical stamina, and attention to detail are essential. This 1st Shift full-time role must be able to work Monday-Friday!Starting Pay Range: $56,000 to $75,000 Annually based on experience.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Capable of performing all duties of a waste treatment operator
• Assist Lab Manager in supervisory duties such as hiring, overseeing training, performance evaluations, addressing employee concerns, and administering disciplinary action as needed
• Maintains a state of Illinois Class K operator's license
• Assists in maintaining and recording all data logged by the operators
• Enforces safety requirements and ensures all new employees are properly trained
• Assists in ensuring operators complete duties in their daily priority logs
• Works with the lab manager and the Metal Finishing Manager to establish weekend operating schedules
• Assists in preparing technical reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information relative to all process chemistry
• Tests chemicals and physical properties of materials used in processing tanks
• Performs coating weight analysis of phosphated panels
• Assists in monitoring chemical inventories and communicates any discrepancies to the Lab Manager
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Represents the lab during quality and environmental audits and assists with experimenting with new process chemistry
• Analyze and summarize information related to all process chemistry
• Ensures proper operation of equipment by completing preventative maintenance requirements; troubleshooting malfunctions; communicating with Maintenance for repairs
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Practice safe work habits, following outlined policies and procedures
• Operate a forklift, following all required safety and operational procedures
• Be aware of SWD Inc. Company's policy and procedures, including the quality system as defined by ISO-9001, ISO-14001, and ISO-17025 and outlined in SWD Inc.'s quality, environmental and laboratory systems policy, and procedure manuals.

Education/Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Several years of experience in manufacturing or production

Necessary Skills:

• Basic reading, writing and math skills
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-speed environment
• Handle heavy equipment
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Physical stamina and strength
• Attention to detail

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to maintain a consistent presence and oversight during long shifts, potentially including standing or walking for extended periods (at least 8 hours).
• Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls for tasks like operating equipment, using tools for demonstrations, or troubleshooting.
• Ability to move around the production floor, warehouses, and other areas of the facility; this includes walking, standing, and possibly climbing stairs or ladders for supervisory duties.
• Good vision (with or without corrective lenses) is necessary for overseeing production processes, identifying potential issues, and ensuring quality control.
• Similarly, adequate hearing is important for communication in potentially noisy environments and for safety reasons.
• Occasionally required to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Regularly required to lift or move up to 50 pounds.

SWD Benefits:

• Pay Every Friday!
• Start earning PTO (Vacation Days) on Day 1 of Employment
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Eight Paid Holidays
• Sick Days
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Referral bonuses
• Fitness Membership Reimbursement