Principal Lab Technician

Ecolab, Inc.; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Stock purchase plan

Pension plan

Parental leave

Job summary

Ecolab, Inc. in Naperville, IL seeks a Principal Lab Technician to lead hands-on testing, method development, and data-driven product improvements. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, refine test protocols, and deliver technical reports that support customer value creation.

The role emphasizes lab safety, 5S standards, and driving continuous improvement through data-driven insights. Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of lab experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED
• 4 years of lab-based experience
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite
• Immigration sponsorship is not offered for this role

Responsibilities

• Conduct application and laboratory testing to support customer-driven and internal technical projects, including analytical testing, material evaluation, and equipment performance assessments
• Collaborate with cross-functional product development teams to generate, record, and communicate laboratory data that supports innovative solutions and product improvements
• Gather and analyze data, summarize findings in technical reports, and share results with both internal stakeholders and external customers
• Maintain and manage databases of technical reports and documentation
• Prepare for and participate in customer tours and team meetings, contributing technical insights and updates
• Build strong internal and external networks to coordinate specialized testing and convert findings into actionable, customer-facing reports
• Document and improve test methods, developing new protocols and enhancing precision and accuracy through statistical experiments
• Lead small-scale technical projects focused on product improvements, cost savings, or regulatory compliance, while ensuring adherence to lab safety and 5S standards

Skills

Lab-based experience

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or relevant science

Job description

Want to build a brighter, bolder future and cultivate your career? Join Ecolab’s team and help create a world in which we all thrive. Ecolab is seeking a Principal Lab Technician to join our team in Naperville, IL. As a Principal Lab Technician, you’ll lead hands‑on testing and method development to support product development, product line maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives. You’ll collaborate with cross‑functional teams, contribute technical insights, and play a key role in refining test protocols and delivering data that drives customer value.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Conduct application and laboratory testing to support customer-driven and internal technical projects, including analytical testing, material evaluation, and equipment performance assessments
• Collaborate with cross-functional product development teams to generate, record, and communicate laboratory data that supports innovative solutions and product improvements
• Gather and analyze data, summarize findings in technical reports, and share results with both internal stakeholders and external customers
• Maintain and manage databases of technical reports and documentation
• Prepare for and participate in customer tours and team meetings, contributing technical insights and updates
• Build strong internal and external networks to coordinate specialized testing and convert findings into actionable, customer-facing reports
• Document and improve test methods, developing new protocols and enhancing precision and accuracy through statistical experiments
• Lead small-scale technical projects focused on product improvements, cost savings, or regulatory compliance, while ensuring adherence to lab safety and 5S standards

Position Details

• Plant Location:Naperville, IL.
• Work Week & Shift:Monday - Friday, 8am-4:30pm
• Pay Rate: $33.65 per hour

What Is Unique About This Role

• The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives and ideas to achieve our best
• Be part of a company that values a culture of safety that includes top‑notch safety training and personal protective equipment

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED
• 4 years of lab-based experience
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Immigration sponsorship is not offered for this role

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or relevant science discipline
• Proficiency and expertise in utilizing, calibrating, and maintaining technical laboratory equipment
• Experience with statistical methods for data analysis and trending
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, including excellent oral and technical writing capabilities
• Experience multi-tasking and manage numerous projects simultaneously

What’s In It For You

• Starting on Day 1: Access to our comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, matching 401K, company-paid pension, stock purchase plan, paid parental leave, select discounted childcare resources, and more!
• The opportunity to take on some of the world’s most meaningful challenges, helping customers achieve clean water, safe food, and healthy environments
• The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth
• The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives, and ideas to achieve our best

About Ecolab

At Ecolab, we prioritize our talent‑first philosophy by creating the most capable and diverse team to excel at our nearly three million customer sites. Building on a century of innovation, our 48,000 associates help deliver comprehensive science‑based solutions, data‑driven insights and world‑class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world. Our solutions not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainability and public health, making a positive impact on the world. We are committed to eliminating unnecessary complexities and embracing a beginner's mindset, continuously seeking new perspectives and innovative solutions to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

Annual Or Hourly Compensation Range

The pay range for this position is $63,500.00 - $95,400.00. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits

Click here to see our benefits.

If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.

Potential Customer Requirements Notice

• Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.

Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging

At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are inclusive. We are on a journey to create a workplace where every associate can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran. In addition, we are committed to furthering the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) through Aff. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.