Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician Job Description
The Lab Technician plays a key role in an analytical laboratory, determining the physical and chemical properties of compounds through quantitative and qualitative analyses in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. This role focuses on testing raw materials, finished products, and returned products that require failure analysis to understand why they did not perform as expected. Working under supervision and following established guidelines, the Lab Technician performs a variety of instrumental and wet chemistry tests, interprets data, and clearly explains experimental methods and findings. The position offers exposure to both analytical and environmental laboratory work and involves independent, investigative projects that support product quality and performance.
Responsibilities
- Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to determine the physical and chemical properties of compounds in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.
- Conduct a variety of chemical tests using instrumental techniques and wet chemistry methods, following established laboratory procedures and guidelines.
- Test raw materials to verify quality and suitability for use in production.
- Test outgoing finished products to confirm they meet required specifications and performance standards.
- Perform failure analysis on products returned by customers to determine why they failed in the field.
- Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation, including FTIR, GPC, ICP, GC-FID, microscopes, and other equipment used to test paints and coatings or evaluate their application.
- Spend time working in both the analytical lab and environmental lab, learning and applying methods across multiple testing areas.
- Design and properly set up experiments using the scientific method, ensuring that procedures are sound and reproducible.
- Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and data in a clear and organized manner.
- Interpret test results, identify trends or anomalies, and use critical thinking to determine root causes of product issues.
- Explain what tests were performed, how they were set up, and why specific methods were chosen, both verbally and in written reports.
- Prepare detailed reports that summarize findings, conclusions, and recommended changes or corrective actions based on failure analysis.
- Collaborate with the analytical team to investigate customer issues, acting as part of a forensic-style investigative group focused on product performance.
- Provide results and reports to leadership for review and discussion, and participate in follow-up conversations about findings.
- Work independently on project-based assignments, demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and strong investigative skills.
- Ask probing questions and gather relevant information to support thorough root cause analysis of product failures.
- Ensure all testing is performed in accordance with lab safety practices, quality standards, and established protocols.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and contribute to the overall cleanliness and orderliness of the lab.
- Adhere to a Monday through Friday schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with no travel required.
Essential Skills
- Strong foundation in chemistry or biochemistry, with the ability to perform quantitative and qualitative analyses in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.
- Proficiency in laboratory techniques, including wet chemistry and instrumental analysis.
- Hands-on experience or strong familiarity with analytical instruments such as FTIR, GPC, ICP, GC-FID, and microscopes.
- Ability to properly set up and perform experiments using the scientific method, including hypothesis formulation, controlled testing, and data analysis.
- Strong laboratory skills, including accurate measurement, sample preparation, and safe handling of chemicals and materials.
- Ability to navigate a laboratory environment confidently and follow established procedures and protocols.
- Competence in recording, organizing, and reporting data clearly and accurately.
- Critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyze complex information and identify root causes of product failures.
- Investigative mindset, with the ability to approach testing and failure analysis like a forensic investigation.
- Ability to clearly explain experimental procedures, test setups, and the rationale behind chosen methods to others.
- Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in testing, data collection, and documentation.
- High level of initiative and independence, comfortable working on project-based tasks with minimal supervision.
- Effective written communication skills for preparing reports that summarize findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Effective verbal communication skills for discussing results and explaining methods to colleagues and leadership.
- Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines while also using judgment when interpreting data and making recommendations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Biochemistry or Chemistry is strongly preferred; Biology may be considered less favorably.
- Associate degree or no degree may be considered if accompanied by relevant laboratory experience.
- 12 years of lab experience in the field is a plus.
- Research or internship experience involving paints or coatings, especially in a root cause or failure analysis capacity, is highly desirable.
- Experience in analytical research and investigative laboratory work.
- Familiarity with failure analysis methodologies and approaches used in product investigations.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a small analytical team while maintaining a high level of independence.
- Curiosity and a strong desire to ask questions, learn new techniques, and deepen understanding of product performance.
- Comfort working in a project-based environment where workload and pace can vary.
- Willingness to be trained in multiple areas, including environmental laboratory testing.
Work Environment
The Lab Technician works in a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory that is very clean and organized, with an atmosphere similar to a pharmaceutical lab. The facility includes three main labs: Quality Control (QC), Research and Development (R&D), and Analytical, with this position based in the Analytical lab alongside four other team members. The role involves regular use of advanced analytical instruments such as FTIR, GPC, ICP, GC-FID, microscopes, and other specialized equipment for testing paints and coatings and evaluating their application. The pace of work varies, with much of the more complex and challenging work being project-based, often driven by customer-returned products that require thorough testing and failure analysis. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with no travel required. The environment supports independent work, investigative projects, and ongoing training in different laboratory areas, including the environmental lab.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of DETROIT, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/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 DETROIT, MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in DETROIT,MI. 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.

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sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

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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
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shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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