Lab Supervisor

Actalent; Kokomo (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance

401(k) with company matching

Generous PTO with tenure increases

Paid holidays and career development

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Quality Laboratory Supervisor in Kokomo, IN, to lead a chemistry QC lab within a chemical manufacturing setting. You will mentor technicians, validate results, and coordinate with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to uphold product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

The role requires GC and ICP‑MS or elemental analysis experience, GMP familiarity, and strong data‑driven problem solving.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 3+ years in quality, laboratory, or manufacturing roles.
• 2–3 years in laboratory leadership/supervisory roles.
• Hands‑on lab experience with GC.
• Experience with ICP‑MS or elemental analysis techniques.
• Experience with XRF instrumentation and methods.
• Experience with rheology and viscosity testing.
• Experience with moisture, density, conductivity, solids content, and particle size analyses.
• Proficiency with LIMS and ERP systems; strong documentation practices.
• Knowledge of GMP or similar quality frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor laboratory personnel, including scheduling and training.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure timely, accurate testing.
• Review and approve laboratory test results for compliance with SOPs.
• Support investigations into quality issues and root cause analysis.
• Ensure equipment calibration, maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and records.
• Support audits with data and testing explanations.
• Drive continuous improvement for efficiency and data integrity.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams.

Skills

GC

ICP‑MS

XRF

Rheology

LIMS

ERP

Quality leadership

GMP knowledge

Data interpretation

Safety

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Job description

Job Title: Quality Laboratory Supervisor

The Quality Laboratory Supervisor oversees daily operations of a quality control laboratory within a chemical manufacturing environment. This role ensures that raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products are tested accurately, safely, and on time. The supervisor leads and develops laboratory technicians, reviews and validates test data, supports quality investigations, and collaborates closely with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to maintain high product quality and efficient manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and mentor laboratory personnel, including scheduling, training, performance guidance, and day-to-day workflow coordination.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products is completed accurately, safely, and on schedule.
• Review and approve laboratory test results, ensuring compliance with specifications, standard operating procedures, and quality requirements.
• Support and participate in investigations involving quality issues, non-conforming materials, and customer or internal complaints, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure all laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and functioning according to established standards.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory documentation and records in alignment with quality system requirements and regulatory expectations.
• Promote and enforce laboratory safety practices, good housekeeping, and adherence to environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Support internal and external audits by providing laboratory data, documentation, and explanations of testing procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on laboratory efficiency, data integrity, and product quality.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to support cross-functional manufacturing operations and resolve technical or quality-related issues.
• Ensure proper use of LIMS, ERP systems, and other laboratory documentation tools to maintain data accuracy and traceability.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma or GED.
• At least 3 years of experience in quality, laboratory, or manufacturing roles.
• 2–3 years of previous laboratory, quality leadership, or supervisory experience overseeing direct reports (preferred but strongly valued).
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with Gas Chromatography (GC).
• Experience with ICP‑MS or elemental analysis techniques.
• Experience with XRF instrumentation and methods.
• Experience with rheology and viscosity testing.
• Experience performing moisture, density, conductivity, solids content, and particle size analyses.
• Proficiency with LIMS and ERP systems, including strong laboratory documentation practices.
• Knowledge of chemistry, laboratory operations, quality assurance, and quality control principles.
• Familiarity with GMP or similar quality and compliance frameworks in a manufacturing or laboratory setting.
• Ability to interpret and review analytical data, identify anomalies, and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to direct, coach, and develop laboratory staff.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong commitment to safety and adherence to established procedures and regulatory requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical field is preferred.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, battery materials, specialty chemicals, or advanced materials environments is a plus.
• Experience supporting audits and working within formal quality management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to drive or contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
• Comfort working with cross-functional teams, including Production, Engineering, and Quality.
• Interest in professional growth and taking on increased responsibility as the organization expands.

Work Environment

This role is based in a chemical manufacturing environment and operates on a third‑shift schedule, Monday through Friday from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The position requires regular presence in a production and laboratory setting where chemicals and specialized materials are handled. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times, which may include the use of a respirator in certain areas or during specific tasks. The work environment emphasizes strict adherence to safety protocols, good housekeeping, and compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards. The organization is growing significantly, offering opportunities to oversee and shape the laboratory group as operations expand.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Kokomo, IN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65000.00 - $72000.00/yr.

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.

Benefits Eligible employees may receive a competitive benefits package that includes: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance 401(k) with company matching contributions Generous PTO program with increases based on tenure Paid company holidays Career growth and development opportunities Benefits become available the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Company holidays include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and additional recognized holidays.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kokomo,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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 [e-mail] 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.