Senior Technician

FUCHS LUBRICANTS CO.; Harvey (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Fuchs Lubricants Co. is seeking a Chemist I to support formulation, testing, and improvement of forming fluids and lubricants for industrial forming applications.

You will perform hands-on laboratory work under guidance, building formulation knowledge and contributing to product development. The role requires a STEM degree (Master's preferred) or a chemistry-focused bachelor's with 0–2 years of experience, plus solid lab skills and data documentation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in STEM or bachelor's with 0–2 years in a technical role; Chemistry degree preferred.
• Solid knowledge of chemical concepts, lab procedures, and testing; willingness to specialize in forming fluids and raw materials.
• Ability to perform hands-on experiments safely and methodically, following established procedures.
• Ability to work in a dynamic and demanding lab environment with good documentation and communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory blends and conduct physical, chemical, and performance testing of forming fluids and raw materials per test plans.
• Record and summarize experimental results, identify trends or unexpected findings, and discuss conclusions with the project lead.
• Support formulation improvements and investigations of product or manufacturing issues; evaluate raw materials under guidance.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Teamwork & communication

Record keeping

Data analysis

Technical problem solving

Education

Master's degree in STEM

Bachelor's degree with 0-2 years experience

Chemistry degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

SALARY:

FUCHS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $70,000, but actual salary will vary depending upon a new hire's experience and qualifications as well as internal equity.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Within the Industrial Forming R&D group, the Chemist-I supports the formulation, testing, and improvement of forming fluids and lubricants for industrial forming applications. Reporting to the R&D Group Leader, this hands-on, early-career role carries out assigned laboratory work with technical guidance, builds formulation and testing knowledge, and contributes to product development and technical problem-solving. The successful candidate will collaborate with Product Management, Quality Control, and Operations while developing increasing independence in routine laboratory activities.

• Prepare laboratory blends and conduct physical, chemical, and performance testing of forming fluids and raw materials using established procedures and agreed test plans.
• Record and summarize experimental results, identify trends or unexpected findings, and discuss conclusions and next steps with the project lead.
• Support formulation improvements and investigations of product or manufacturing issues; contribute ideas and evaluate raw materials with guidance.

WHAT WE EXPECT

• Master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), or a bachelor's degree with 0-2 years of experience in a technical role. A degree in Chemistry is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of chemical concepts, laboratory procedures, and testing; willingness to develop expertise in forming fluid formulations and raw materials.
• Ability to conduct hands-on laboratory experiments safely and systematically, following established procedures and seeking guidance for unfamiliar or complex work.
• Likes to work in the laboratory and thrives in a dynamic and demanding environment.
• Accurate record keeping and technical documentation skills, including a well-organized laboratory notebook and traceable experimental results.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills; ability to use a systematic approach to routine technical problems and communicate findings clearly.
• Self-motivated and able to complete assigned routine work independently after training, while seeking technical review and escalating unexpected results.
• Ability to organize and analyze experimental data, summarize conclusions, and present results to the technical group.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), including Excel for organizing data and preparing charts; willingness to learn digital R&D tools.

WHAT WE OFFER

Fuchs Lubricants Co. offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. The benefits package offered to full-time employees includes medical, dental, vision, vacation, 401(k), life insurance, LTD, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement.

Fuchs Lubricants Co. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO)/AA employer and strongly supports diversity in the workplace (m/f/d/v).