Lab Engineer (30883)

Pentagon Technologies; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

401K program with employer matching

Health, dental, vision Insurance

Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance

Life and AD&D (employer paid)

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Job summary

Pentagon Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Lab Engineer to own technical support for ICP-MS and LPC instrumentation, troubleshoot, improve data quality, and drive instrument performance in a fast-paced production environment.

The role requires 3–5 years of laboratory experience, a Bachelor's degree in a related science, and the ability to travel to Pentagon facilities across the continental US. You will develop SOPs, mentor staff, and support cross-functional projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline preferred.
• 3–5 years in a chemist/lab specialist role or equivalent.
• Experience leading lab operations and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical engineering support for laboratory equipment and analytical systems.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for lab issues affecting data quality or process capability.
• Evaluate equipment performance and process trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support method development, process optimization, and standardization of practices.
• Develop, review, and improve SOPs, work instructions, and technical reports.
• Partner with quality, lab ops, and management to resolve technical concerns.
• Provide technical guidance on equipment operation, data interpretation, and escalation.

Skills

ICP-MS

LPC

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/related

Tools

ICP-MS instrumentation

LPC instrumentation

SOP development

Job description

Pentagon Technologies, Inc. is a leader in providing mission-critical semiconductor services that touch every device with a computer chip inside. Our customers include the largest semiconductor chip and OEM tool manufacturers in the industry. We stay at the forefront of our industry through innovation, technical proficiency, and our amazing employees. Our industry is in the midst of unprecedented growth and Pentagon is seeking outstanding candidates to join our team!

The Lab Engineer

is primarily responsible for owning technical support for ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and LPC (Liquid Particle Count) instrumentation, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, method reliability, data quality, technical report accuracy, and instrument performance improvement. This role serves as the primary technical resource and supports production when ICP-MS and LPC expertise is required. The position may also provide opportunities to support technical projects outside the Analytical Lab.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide technical engineering support for laboratory equipment, analytical systems, test methods, and process-related issues.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for technical issues impacting laboratory performance, data quality, equipment reliability, or process capability.
• Evaluate equipment performance, instrument health, process trends, and recurring technical issues to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support method development, process optimization, validation activities, and standardization of technical practices across the laboratory.
• Develop, review, and improve SOPs, work instructions, troubleshooting guides, technical reports, and training materials.
• Partner with quality, lab operations, and management to resolve technical concerns and implement sustainable solutions.
• Provide technical guidance to lab personnel on equipment operation, analytical methods, data interpretation, and issue escalation.
• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on reliability, accuracy, efficiency, safety, and laboratory capability.
• Assist production teams when technical support is needed, while maintaining primary focus on engineering and laboratory technical issue resolution.
• Represent the laboratory in technical discussions, project reviews, customer/internal meetings, technical reporting and cross-functional communications as needed.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Environmental Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline preferred.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience as a Chemist, Laboratory Specialist, or equivalent analytical laboratory role preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading laboratory operations and technical teams.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Expert knowledge of ICP-MS and LPC instrumentation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and analytical methodologies.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
• Advanced data analysis, trending, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Safety

Employee will be trained in, and is to follow and lead by example, all general safety requirements of Pentagon Technologies as well as specific safety regulatory requirements

Work Environment

Must be able to function well in an office environment. Must also be able to work in a controlled chemical and wastewater environment. Must also be able to perform in a laboratory environment. Persons who are sensitive to chemical environments with such medical conditions as asthma, allergies, or extreme sensitivity to chemicals may not be considered as good candidates for this position. Must have the ability to travel to the various Pentagon Technologies Facilities within the continental US as required. Must be able to travel to Vendor and Customer facilities within the continental US as required.

Physical Demands

Must pass Company required screening tests. The employee is regularly required to sit and stand, reach with hands and arms and perform light routine office work, which includes computer workstation usage.

Perks of Working at Pentagon Technologies

At the end of the day, our strength comes from our people, and we are determined to recognize and promote your wellbeing—be it professionally, financially, physically, or mentally.

• Generous PTO
• 401K program with employer matching contribution
• Health, dental, vision Insurance (with generous employer contribution)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance (fully employer paid)
• Life and AD&D (employer paid & voluntary option)
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Be advised that Pentagon Technologies does not offer relocation assistance for this position. Candidates who do not reside near the posted location will be responsible for covering all relocation costs. By applying for this position, candidates acknowledge and agree that they will be solely responsible for any expenses incurred in relocating to the area if selected for the role.

Pentagon Technologies is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (AA/EOE/W/M/Vet/Disabled) and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment of associates. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.