Lab Technician (No Degree Required)

Actalent; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an entry-level Lab Technician to support a color matching lab. The role involves preparing paint samples, weighing materials, operating lab equipment, and recording results with high accuracy. Daily duties include spray coating test panels and following safety/work instructions.

No degree required; a two-year degree or 2+ years of lab experience are acceptable. The position is fully onsite in Minneapolis, MN with benefits offered for this temporary role.

Qualifications

• Two-year degree preferred in chemistry or related field
• Experience in quality control or lab environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to follow safety procedures

Responsibilities

• Weigh and pour materials with high accuracy.
• Operate lab equipment following safety procedures.
• Prepare batches and paint samples.
• Spray coatings on test panels.
• Record test results and observations accurately.
• Maintain clean, organized workspace and safety.
• Assist with more complex techniques as needed.

Skills

Weighing & measuring

Safety procedures

Documentation

Communication

Chemistry basics

Laboratory equipment

Multitasking

Education

Two-year degree

Tools

Scales

Laboratory equipment

Coating spray equipment

Measuring tools

Job description

The Lab Technician supports laboratory operations in a color matching lab by preparing and testing paint samples, operating laboratory equipment, and accurately recording test results. This role involves working with paints and substrates daily, following detailed safety and work instructions, and contributing to the development and evaluation of coatings and related materials.

Job Title: Lab Technician (Entry Level)

• No Degree Required* | Offers Benefits

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory work that includes weighing and pouring materials using scales and other measuring tools with a high degree of accuracy.
• Operate moderately complex laboratory equipment while strictly following safety procedures and written work instructions.
• Prepare batches and samples for testing, including making paint samples using designated laboratory equipment.
• Spray or apply coatings to small test panels using standard application techniques and equipment.
• Measure and record properties of wet paint samples and coated panels, ensuring all data is complete and accurate.
• Accurately document results and observations related to batch making, sample preparation, and panel testing in laboratory records and reports.
• Assist in the application lab with more complex application techniques as directed by project leaders or senior staff.
• Communicate test results, observations, and any issues encountered to the project leader in a clear and timely manner.
• Complete routine paperwork for ordering chemical samples, formula samples, and other laboratory materials.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including proper handling and storage of paints, chemicals, and substrates.
• Follow all laboratory quality control procedures to ensure consistency and reliability of test results.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience performing laboratory work, including accurate weighing, measuring, and handling of materials.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment and follow detailed safety and work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when recording results and observations related to batch making, sample preparation, and testing.
• Good reading skills to interpret technical documents, procedures, and safety information.
• Effective observational and testing skills to assess properties of wet paint samples and coated panels.
• Clear and professional communication skills to relay information to project leaders and team members.
• Basic understanding of chemistry as it relates to paints, coatings, and laboratory testing.
• Ability to perform routine paperwork for ordering chemical and formula samples efficiently and accurately.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Two-year degree, preferably in a scientific or technical field related to chemistry, laboratory science, or a similar discipline.
• Alternatively, a non-degree background with at least 2 years of laboratory experience.
• Experience working in a quality control or laboratory environment.
• Proven ability to work efficiently and manage multiple tasks in a laboratory setting.

This role is based in a clean color matching laboratory where the Lab Technician works with paint and various substrates on a daily basis. The position follows a daytime shift schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The environment includes the use of laboratory equipment for mixing, measuring, and applying coatings to test panels, as well as instruments for measuring properties of wet paint and coated panels. The role requires adherence to laboratory safety practices, careful handling of paints and chemicals, and maintaining a neat and orderly workspace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.63 - $21.63/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN.

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.