R&D Lab Technician

Job Title: R&D Laboratory Technician Job Description The R&D Laboratory Technician supports product development, testing, and quality initiatives in a manufacturing laboratory environment. This role focuses on preparing laboratory batches, conducting physical and chemical tests, maintaining accurate documentation, calibrating and operating laboratory equipment, and collaborating closely with Quality, Production, and R&D teams to ensure successful product development and manufacturing launches. Responsibilities

- Prepare laboratory batches, formulations, and samples in accordance with established procedures and specifications.
- Perform physical, chemical, and performance testing on raw materials and finished products using appropriate laboratory methods and instruments.
- Record and maintain accurate laboratory data, test results, and project documentation to support R&D and quality initiatives.
- Support new product development projects and assist with transferring and launching new products into manufacturing.
- Maintain raw material records, including Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), ensuring they are current and properly organized.
- Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment and testing instruments to ensure reliable and consistent test results.
- Calibrate and keep detailed records of instruments such as FTIR and other relevant analytical and testing equipment.
- Assist with troubleshooting product and process issues by performing investigative testing and providing data-driven feedback.
- Follow all laboratory safety procedures and chemical handling protocols while maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant work area.
- Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Production teams to meet project objectives, share test results, and support continuous improvement.
- Work independently when required, while also effectively partnering with co-workers and working under the direction of supervisors.

Essential Skills

- Bachelors degree in Chemistry.
- Foundational knowledge of basic chemistry principles and laboratory practices.
- Experience with lab safety procedures and chemical handling safety.
- Ability to perform raw material testing and create laboratory batches in a chemical manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience with laboratory testing equipment such as Instron, QUV weatherometer, impact tester, resiliometer, and FTIR instruments.
- Ability to calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and keep accurate calibration records.
- Understanding of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and proper documentation standards.
- Ability to work independently at times, as well as collaboratively alongside co-workers and under the direction of supervisors.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data recording, documentation, and test execution.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Experience in an R&D lab environment within chemical manufacturing or related industries.
- Familiarity with urethane chemistry and applications in polymers, coatings, and epoxies.
- Comfort working with strong-smelling chemicals in a controlled laboratory and manufacturing setting.
- Ability to support cross-functional teams, including R&D, Quality, and Production, on product development and troubleshooting activities.
- Strong organizational skills for managing raw material records, COAs, and SDSs.

Work Environment This role is based in a manufacturing laboratory environment within a chemical production facility. The R&D Laboratory Technician works primarily Monday through Friday, typically on an 8-hour day shift starting around 7:00 or 8:00 a.m., with weekends usually not required. The position involves working with urethane chemistry in a cold-cast division and handling polymers, coatings, and epoxies used across a variety of industries. The technician operates and calibrates laboratory instruments and testing equipment in a setting where strong chemical odors may be present, and adherence to lab safety and chemical handling protocols is essential. The work environment is collaborative, with regular interaction with R&D, Quality, and Production teams, and requires maintaining a clean, organized, and safety-compliant laboratory space.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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. 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 Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Santa Fe Springs,CA. 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 [email protected] 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.