R&D Laboratory Technician I

Katalyst CRO; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO is seeking an R&D Laboratory Technician I to support product development at our Brea, CA facility. You’ll assist engineers with testing, prototype evaluations, setup, and documentation while upholding safety and quality standards.

The role emphasizes following procedures, data recording, and collaboration in a regulated environment, contributing to continuous improvement and timely issue reporting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent or technical degree.
• Minimum 6 years of laboratory, manufacturing, or regulated technician experience OR
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, biology, chemistry, or related field with at least 1 year of laboratory/R&D experience.
• Experience in regulated environments and following written procedures.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing following approved procedures and engineering protocols.
• Assist engineers with product development, validation, and prototype evaluations.
• Prepare laboratory equipment, instruments, and materials for testing activities.
• Record, organize, and maintain accurate laboratory data and technical documentation.
• Support calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Assist with sample preparation, conditioning, and handling of testing materials.
• Compile test observations and communicate findings to engineering teams.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness while adhering to safety and quality procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for laboratory processes.
• Report equipment issues or test abnormalities to supervisors promptly.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Documentation

SOP compliance

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s in engineering/biology/chemistry

Tools

Laboratory equipment handling

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a motivated R&D Laboratory Technician I to support product development activities in our Brea, CA facility. This role involves assisting engineers with laboratory testing, prototype evaluations, equipment setup, and documentation while ensuring compliance with laboratory safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing following approved procedures and engineering protocols.


• Assist engineers with product development, validation, and prototype evaluations.


• Prepare laboratory equipment, instruments, and materials for testing activities.


• Record, organize, and maintain accurate laboratory data and technical documentation.


• Support calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.


• Assist with sample preparation, conditioning, and handling of testing materials.


• Compile test observations and communicate findings to engineering teams.


• Maintain laboratory cleanliness while adhering to safety and quality procedures.


• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for laboratory processes.


• Report equipment issues or test abnormalities to supervisors promptly.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.


• Minimum 6 years of laboratory, manufacturing, or regulated technician experience OR


• Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or another technical discipline with at least 1 year of laboratory or R&D experience.


• Experience working in a regulated environment and following written procedures.


• Strong organizational and documentation skills.


• Comfortable working collaboratively in a team environment.


• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting product development or engineering projects.


• Familiarity with laboratory instruments and testing equipment.


• Ability to interpret engineering instructions and test procedures.


• Strong attention to detail with accurate data recording.


• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.


• Experience in maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory.


• Ability to assist in training junior laboratory personnel.