Engineering Technician

Old World Industries; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Company-matching 401(k)

Company-paid life insurance and AD&D

Identity theft insurance

Disability coverage

Health savings accounts

Job summary

Old World Industries, a Northbrook-based company, seeks an Engineering Technician - R&D to support the Research and Development team. You will coordinate technical documentation, assist with lab activities, manage sample logistics, and help engineers advance product development and validation efforts.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on lab work in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent technical exposure.
• Laboratory practices, wet lab procedures, or technical testing experience preferred.
• Proficient in Excel for data entry, organization, and basic analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and meticulous record-keeping.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams (R&D, EH&S, lab, production, purchasing).

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, organize, and maintain change management documentation.
• Coordinate R&D purchasing activities with vendors and track orders.
• Support chemical storage, handling, and safety with EH&S and lab teams.
• Coordinate sample requests and shipments to labs, customers, and stakeholders.
• Enter and analyze performance data using spreadsheets and tools.
• Maintain records and data files to support engineering review and traceability.
• Communicate status, risks, and actions to engineers and partners.

Skills

Lab practices

Data analysis

Documentation

Cross-functional teamwork

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Old World Industries, 3100 Sanders Road, Northbrook, Illinois, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Position Summary

The Engineering Technician - R&D supports the Research and Development team by coordinating technical documentation, assisting with laboratory activities, managing sample and material logistics, supporting purchasing processes, and maintaining accurate performance data. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, hands-on professional who is comfortable working in a laboratory environment, collaborating across functions, and helping engineers advance product development and validation activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, organize, and maintain change management documentation in accordance with internal procedures.
• Coordinate R&D purchasing activities, including working with vendors, creating purchase orders, tracking orders, and supporting material availability for project needs.
• Partner with EH&S and laboratory teams to support proper chemical storage, usage, and handling practices.
• Coordinate sample requests from production and manage sample shipments to third-party laboratories, customers, and other stakeholders for testing and validation efforts.
• Enter, organize, and analyze performance data using spreadsheets and other standard business tools.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and data files to support engineering review, traceability, and project execution.
• Communicate status, risks, and follow-up actions clearly with engineers, lab personnel, vendors, and cross-functional partners.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with some technical exposure.
• Experience or coursework involving laboratory practices, wet lab procedures, or technical testing environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet tools, including data entry, organization, and basic analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, EH&S, laboratory, production, purchasing, and external vendor partners.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on tasks.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior internship, co-op, or professional experience in an R&D, laboratory, manufacturing, or technical operations environment.
• Experience supporting change management, purchasing, sample coordination, or document control processes.
• Familiarity with chemical handling, laboratory safety practices, and working with third-party test laboratories.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Work is performed in office and laboratory environments.
• No travel is required for this role.
• Must follow applicable safety procedures, laboratory guidelines, and company policies when working with materials, samples, and chemicals.

This opportunity offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness benefits
• Company-matching 401(k) plan
• Company-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment benefits
• Company-paid identity theft insurance
• Company-paid disability
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Company-paid employee assistance program
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Additional benefits included: voluntary life insurance, legal benefits, critical illness, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and pet insurance

Old World Industries is among the largest privately held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket today. Built upon a 50-year history of ingenuity, the Northbrook, Illinois-based company is transforming the automotive, commercial and chemical industries that keep the world moving forward. Old World’s brands include a full line of PEAK® Performance Automotive Aftermarket Products including Antifreeze/Coolant, Washer Fluid, Lighting and Wiper Blades; BlueDEF® Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Equipment; FINAL CHARGE® PRO-SERIES Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolant, Fleet Charge® SCA Precharged Heavy Duty Coolant and Thermal Charge® Heat Transfer Fluid.

Old World Industries, 3100 Sanders Road, Northbrook, Illinois, United States of America