Sr. Plastics Lab Technologist

Actalent; Carol Stream (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and R

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a hands-on Plastics Laboratory Specialist to support product development, testing, and process improvement in a plastics compounding and materials development environment. The role involves working directly with materials, operating processing equipment, conducting tests, and solving polymer-related technical challenges.

You will develop masterbatch formulations, perform color measurements, and analyze data to drive quality improvements and product performance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in a plastics lab, compounding, or related manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience with pigment and additive masterbatch formulation and processing.
• Strong understanding of color science, dispersion technology, and polymer performance testing.
• Experience operating extrusion or compounding equipment.
• Ability to analyze technical data and communicate findings effectively.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate pigment and additive masterbatch formulations.
• Operate extrusion, compounding, and other plastics processing equipment.
• Perform color measurements, dispersion analysis, and polymer performance testing.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and document results with accuracy.
• Analyze material performance and benchmark products against competitive materials.
• Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues to improve product quality and consistency.
• Generate technical data and reports to support product development and commercial initiatives.
• Assist in building, organizing, and improving laboratory processes and capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide technical insights and product recommendations.

Skills

Masterbatch formulation

Color science

Dispersion technology

Polymer performance testing

Troubleshooting

Tools

Extrusion equipment

Job description

Plastics Laboratory Specialist / Senior Lab TechnicianOverview

We are seeking a hands‑on Plastics Laboratory Specialist to support product development, testing, and process improvement within a dynamic plastics compounding and materials development environment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with materials, operating processing equipment, conducting laboratory testing, and solving technical challenges related to polymers, pigments, and additives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate pigment and additive masterbatch formulations.

• Operate extrusion, compounding, and other plastics processing equipment.

• Perform color measurements, dispersion analysis, and polymer performance testing.

• Conduct laboratory experiments and document results with accuracy.

• Analyze material performance and benchmark products against competitive materials.

• Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues to improve product quality and consistency.

• Generate technical data and reports to support product development and commercial initiatives.

• Assist in building, organizing, and improving laboratory processes and capabilities.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to provide technical insights and product recommendations.

QualificationsRequired

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in a plastics laboratory, compounding, or related manufacturing environment.

• Direct experience with pigment and additive masterbatch formulation and processing.

• Strong understanding of color science, dispersion technology, and polymer performance testing.

• Experience operating extrusion or compounding equipment.

• Ability to analyze technical data and communicate findings effectively.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.

Growth Opportunity

This position offers a unique opportunity to help build and expand a growing laboratory function. As laboratory capabilities continue to develop, there will be opportunities to take on increased leadership responsibilities, contribute to strategic initiatives, mentor future laboratory staff, and potentially participate in customer‑facing technical support and product discussions.

Work Environment

This is a highly hands‑on role within a plastics development laboratory that operates similarly to a small‑scale manufacturing environment. Daily activities include formulating materials, running processing equipment, performing laboratory testing, troubleshooting formulations, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts throughout the lab.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to help shape and grow a developing laboratory operation.

• High visibility and impact on product development initiatives.

• Exposure to formulation development, testing, and material innovation.

• Clear path toward leadership and managerial responsibilities.

• Collaborative environment focused on technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Carol Stream, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $43.00/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.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Carol Stream,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.

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.