Materials Lab Technician

Actalent; City of Lockport (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Materials Lab Technician to support metallographic and corrosion testing by preparing samples, operating lab equipment, and monitoring components in controlled chambers.

The role is fully onsite, first shift, offering hands-on experience in materials analysis with on-the-job training, cross-training, and a clear technician career path. Documentation and reporting are essential using Microsoft Office in a safety-focused lab.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a laboratory environment.
• Exposure to laboratory safety practices and PPE.
• Ability to follow precise procedures with strong accuracy and documentation.
• Ability to write clearly, including technical/test reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office for data entry and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metallographic and corrosion test samples per specs.
• Operate lab equipment for materials analysis and corrosion testing.
• Monitor tests in controlled chambers.
• Record data accurately and maintain detailed logs.
• Photograph and document test results for reports.
• Follow specifications and lab protocols with attention to detail.
• Create and maintain test reports using MS Office.
• Handle laboratory chemicals safely and wear PPE as required.
• Support process improvements and cross-training.
• Understand corrosion testing standards (e.g., ASTM B117) when applicable.
• Assist with materials characterization, mounting samples and SEM work.

Skills

Lab experience

Safety practices

PPE

Documentation

MS Office

Education

Associate degree in chemistry/engineering or related field

Tools

Scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Elemental composition analysis

Job description

Job Description

The Materials Lab Technician supports metallographic and corrosion testing by preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, and monitoring components in controlled test chambers. This fully onsite, first-shift role offers hands-on experience in materials analysis and corrosion testing, with on-the-job training, cross-training, and a clear technician career path. The technician documents results with strong attention to accuracy, follows detailed specifications and procedures, and maintains precise reports using Microsoft Office in a safety-focused laboratory environment.

Job Title: Materials Lab Technician

The Materials Lab Technician supports metallographic and corrosion testing by preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, and monitoring components in controlled test chambers. This fully onsite, first-shift role offers hands-on experience in materials analysis and corrosion testing, with on-the-job training, cross-training, and a clear technician career path. The technician documents results with strong attention to accuracy, follows detailed specifications and procedures, and maintains precise reports using Microsoft Office in a safety-focused laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metallographic and corrosion test samples according to established specifications and procedures.
• Operate laboratory equipment and instruments used for materials analysis and corrosion testing.
• Monitor components and test samples in controlled test chambers throughout the duration of testing.
• Record test data accurately and maintain detailed documentation of all test activities.
• Photograph and document test results to support analysis and reporting.
• Follow written specifications, test methods, and laboratory protocols with strong attention to detail.
• Use Microsoft Office applications to create, update, and maintain test reports and documentation.
• Handle laboratory chemicals safely and consistently while adhering to lab safety practices.
• Wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE) in the laboratory.
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory processes and procedures over time.
• Collaborate with team members in a laboratory environment and participate in cross-training opportunities.
• Apply an understanding of corrosion testing standards, such as ASTM B117, in daily work when applicable.
• Assist with materials characterization activities, including mounting samples and supporting elemental composition analysis and scanning electron microscope work under guidance.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Exposure to and understanding of laboratory safety practices and procedures.
• Comfort working with chemicals and consistently wearing appropriate PPE.
• Ability to follow precise, detailed procedures with strong attention to accuracy and documentation.
• Ability to write clearly, with experience in writing technical or test reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office for data entry, documentation, and report writing.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records in a safety-focused environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in chemistry, engineering or a related technical field is preferred.
• Familiarity with corrosion testing and related standards, such as ASTM B117.
• Exposure to corrosion testing of components such as radiators, evaporators, and similar parts.
• Experience with or exposure to scanning electron microscopes and elemental composition analysis.
• Experience with sample mounting and preparation for metallographic or corrosion analysis.
• Interest in improving laboratory processes and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite and primarily based in a laboratory setting, with a mix of hands-on lab work and computer-based documentation. The technician works mainly on automotive components such as radiators and evaporators while following strict lab safety protocols. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in the laboratory at all times as required. The position operates on a first-shift schedule and offers access to training on testing methods, cross-training across different lab activities, and a supportive team environment with clear career progression for lab technicians.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lockport, NY.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.63 - $33.65/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lockport, NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lockport,NY.

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.