Lab Technician

Actalent; Plainfield (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

HSA

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Technician to perform analytical testing in a petroleum-focused lab in Plainfield, IL. You will receive and review work orders, conduct tests, document results, and prepare reports for QA/QC.

The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and the use of GC and other analytical instruments. You should have a high school diploma (or college coursework in science) and 1–2 years of lab testing experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Some college coursework in science, chemistry, or a related field preferable.
• Preferably 1–2 years of laboratory testing experience; industry experience is open and flexible.
• Openness to candidates looking to transition into a lab technician career, including new graduates with relevant education.
• Basic computer skills to manage data in lab systems or spreadsheets.
• Basic mathematics skills to perform calculations and verify results.
• Foundational science knowledge to understand laboratory tests, sample behavior, and analytical outcomes.
• Ability to work independently after training with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective communication with employees, outside consultants, and management.
• Willingness to learn and use analytical instruments such as gas chromatographs and other specialized equipment.
• Willingness to handle toxic or caustic chemicals with proper safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and understand work orders before testing.
• Perform analyses per customer specs and industry standards.
• Document test results clearly and ensure traceability.
• Prepare analytical reports summarizing methods, results, and observations.
• Support QA/QC testing and control chart interpretation.
• Maintain instruments, equipment, and supplies; perform basic troubleshooting.
• Follow lab procedures and safety protocols for reliable results.
• Assist in safe sample handling, storage, and disposal.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Wet chemistry

Data entry / data management

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication

Safety awareness

GC operation familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in the sciences

High School Diploma

Tools

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Analytical instruments

Job description

Job Description

This role involves performing analytical testing on a variety of samples in a petroleum and petrochemical-focused laboratory. The lab technician receives and reviews work orders, conducts tests according to customer and industry standards, documents results accurately, and prepares analytical reports. The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in analytical testing, build strong technical skills, and develop a foundation for more advanced roles in laboratory analysis, chemistry, and quality assurance. This is a safety-sensitive role that supports independent testing, inspection, and certification services for products such as gasoline and aviation fuels.

Job Title: Lab Technician

This role involves performing analytical testing on a variety of samples in a petroleum and petrochemical-focused laboratory. The lab technician receives and reviews work orders, conducts tests according to customer and industry standards, documents results accurately, and prepares analytical reports. The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in analytical testing, build strong technical skills, and develop a foundation for more advanced roles in laboratory analysis, chemistry, and quality assurance. This is a safety-sensitive role that supports independent testing, inspection, and certification services for products such as gasoline and aviation fuels.

Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and thoroughly understand work orders for all incoming samples before beginning any testing.
• Perform required analyses on samples in accordance with customer specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct a variety of tests, including density, viscosity, gas chromatography (GC), petroleum contamination testing, lubricant analysis, and oil analysis.
• Accurately document each test result in a clear, neat, and organized manner, ensuring traceability and compliance with laboratory procedures.
• Prepare corresponding analytical reports that summarize test methods, results, and observations in a professional and timely manner.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control testing, including assisting with the creation, maintenance, and interpretation of control charts.
• Follow established laboratory procedures and quality protocols to ensure consistent, reliable, and defensible test results.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, equipment, and supplies by performing routine checks, basic troubleshooting, and coordinating maintenance as needed.
• Support safe sample handling, storage, and disposal practices in alignment with laboratory safety policies and environmental regulations.
• Assist in the continuous improvement of laboratory processes by providing feedback on procedures, documentation, and workflow.
• Collaborate with colleagues, consultants, and management to resolve testing issues and ensure timely completion of work orders.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned to support overall laboratory operations.
• Participate in required drug and alcohol testing programs as part of the safety-sensitive nature of the role.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated ability to perform laboratory testing in alignment with chemistry and quality control principles.
• Basic understanding of wet chemistry techniques and their application in routine analytical testing.
• Ability to follow established laboratory procedures and standard operating instructions consistently and accurately.
• High school diploma required.
• Some college coursework in science, chemistry, or a related field is preferable.
• Preferably 1–2 years of laboratory testing experience; industry experience is open and flexible.
• Openness to candidates looking to transition into a lab technician career, including new graduates with relevant education.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to enter and manage data accurately in laboratory systems or spreadsheets.
• Basic mathematics skills to perform calculations, interpret numerical data, and verify test results.
• Foundational science knowledge to understand laboratory tests, sample behavior, and analytical outcomes.
• Ability to grasp new procedures quickly and apply them consistently after training.
• Ability to work independently upon completion of training while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills to interact with employees, outside consultants, and management.
• Thorough understanding of safety and training issues relevant to laboratory work, including handling chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Commitment to quality assurance and quality control practices in a laboratory environment.
• Willingness to participate in pre-employment, random, and annual drug and alcohol testing due to the safety-sensitive nature of the position.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in the sciences and 0-1 year of experience; or High School Diploma and 1-2 years of lab testing experience.
• Experience following lab procedures and/ or SOPs.
• Exposure to or interest in petroleum, petrochemical, fuel, or lubricant testing.
• Interest in developing a long-term career in laboratory analysis, chemistry, or quality professions.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple work orders in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational skills to manage samples, documentation, and reporting efficiently.
• Attention to detail when performing tests, recording data, and reviewing results for accuracy.
• Willingness to learn and use analytical instruments such as gas chromatographs and other specialized equipment.
• Comfort working with toxic or caustic chemicals while following appropriate safety protocols.
• Motivation to gain hands‑on analytical testing experience within a global laboratory organization.
• Interest in building technical skills that are valued for advanced laboratory analyst, chemist, and quality roles.

Work Environment

This position follows a Monday through Friday schedule with hours from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, providing overnight coverage in the laboratory. Work is primarily performed in a laboratory setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plainfield, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $24.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Plainfield,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.