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Entry Level Pharmaceutical Lab Jobs in Naperville, IL

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Internship, co-op, lab, shop, automotive, robotics, or other hands-on technical experience ... Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.

Jr. Chemist

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

... leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, is seeking an Entry-Level Chemist to join their growing ... Record and interpret experimental data, maintaining accurate lab notebooks and technical ...

Entry Level Pharmaceutical Lab information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$13

$24

$50

How much do entry level pharmaceutical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level pharmaceutical lab in Naperville, IL is $24.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $25.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level pharmaceutical lab job?

Entry level pharmaceutical lab jobs are positions within pharmaceutical laboratories that require minimal prior experience. These roles typically involve assisting with routine lab tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They are ideal for recent graduates or individuals new to the pharmaceutical industry, and they often provide on-the-job training. These positions are essential for supporting research and development, quality control, and product testing in pharmaceutical companies.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an entry level pharmaceutical lab technician?

To succeed as an Entry Level Pharmaceutical Lab Technician, a background in chemistry, biology, or a related science—often with a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree—is essential. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, and data management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate results, compliance with safety protocols, and efficient lab operations critical for pharmaceutical research and production.

What challenges might I face when starting in an entry level pharmaceutical lab position?

In an entry-level pharmaceutical lab role, you may initially find it challenging to adapt to strict regulatory protocols and meticulous documentation requirements. Learning to operate specialized laboratory equipment safely and accurately is also a common hurdle. You'll often work as part of a team, which requires clear communication and collaboration to ensure experiments run smoothly and results are reliable. As you gain experience, these challenges become opportunities to develop strong technical and organizational skills essential for career growth in the pharmaceutical industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Pharmaceutical Lab vs Entry Level Quality Control Technician?

AspectEntry Level Pharmaceutical LabEntry Level Quality Control Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer a science degreeHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer a science background or certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting focused on testing and analysis of pharmaceutical productsLaboratory setting focused on quality testing, inspection, and compliance
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, contract labsPharmaceutical manufacturing, biotech, and quality assurance departments

Both roles are entry-level positions in pharmaceutical laboratories, requiring similar educational backgrounds and working in lab environments. The main difference lies in their focus: pharmaceutical lab roles often involve research and development tasks, while quality control technicians concentrate on testing products for quality and compliance. Candidates interested in laboratory work should consider their preferred focus when choosing between these roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmaceutical Lab jobs in Naperville, IL?

The most popular types of Pharmaceutical Lab jobs in Naperville, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Pharmaceutical Lab jobs in Naperville, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Pharmaceutical Lab jobs in Naperville, IL are:

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Just In Time Staffing LLC

Elgin, IL • On-site

$65K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

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Job description

Position: Entry- Level Manufacturing Engineer

Job Type: Direct Hire

Pay: $65,000 - $82,000 depending on experience

Hours: Day Shift (Occasional Off-Shift or On-Call Support Required) 

Location: Elgin, IL 

Requirements: Resume, Interview, E-verify

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Supplemental life, and short-term disability insurance, basic life insurance and AD&D coverage, PTO. 

We are seeking an Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer to join our team and play a key role in supporting production operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is not a desk job. You'll spend the majority of your time on the production floor working directly with operators, maintenance technicians, and production equipment to troubleshoot issues, improve reliability, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Equipment Troubleshooting & Production Support

  • Respond to equipment breakdowns and production line stoppages.
  • Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and process-related issues.
  • Work closely with maintenance technicians and production operators to restore equipment and minimize downtime.
  • Identify recurring equipment failures and help implement long-term corrective actions.
  • Support preventive maintenance programs and spare parts management.

Automation & Controls

  • Assist with troubleshooting and maintaining automated production equipment.
  • Support conveyors, fillers, packaging systems, sensors, motors, and PLC-controlled equipment.
  • Participate in equipment upgrades, installations, and sensor calibrations.
  • Develop troubleshooting skills for both mechanical and controls-related issues.

Continuous Improvement

  • Observe manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, quality, and waste reduction.
  • Assist with process improvement projects and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
  • Document procedures, equipment modifications, and process changes.
  • Support safety, quality, and food-safety compliance requirements.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Civil Engineering.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including standing, walking, lifting, exposure to noise, and varying temperatures.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred

  • Internship, co-op, lab, shop, automotive, robotics, or other hands-on technical experience.
  • Exposure to PLCs, sensors, motors, pneumatics, HMIs, or basic ladder logic through coursework or projects.
  • Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Familiarity with CAD software.
  • Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or CMMS systems.


Company Description

Just In Time Staffing seeks to pair top candidates with opportunities that will be mutually beneficial for both them and the employers.