Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Title: Quality Lab Technician

Job Description

The Quality Lab Technician supports a manufacturing quality laboratory by performing physical testing and metrology measurements on materials and products. This role focuses on operating advanced laboratory instruments, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring results meet defined specifications and quality standards. The technician plays a key role in product disposition by accurately documenting findings and contributing to continuous quality improvement.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical testing in the quality laboratory, including measurements of thickness, density, surface roughness, and hardness.
• Operate metrology and laboratory instruments such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), confocal microscopes, thickness measurement systems, surface roughness measurement equipment, density testing equipment, and durometer hardness testers.
• Collect, analyze, and document test results in accordance with established quality procedures and laboratory protocols.
• Compare testing results to established specifications and acceptance criteria to support product disposition decisions.
• Conduct routine and non-routine inspections on materials and products to verify compliance with quality standards.
• Input test data into laboratory and quality systems, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
• Interpret test results and data trends to identify potential quality issues or deviations.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, test reports, and documentation required by quality systems and procedures.
• Support product disposition activities by clearly and accurately reporting laboratory findings to relevant stakeholders.
• Operate, calibrate, and perform basic maintenance on laboratory and metrology instrumentation to ensure reliable performance.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality system requirements in all laboratory activities.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment to support quality and production goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Biology, or a related science or engineering discipline.
• Previous experience working in a manufacturing quality laboratory.
• Hands-on experience operating laboratory or metrology instrumentation.
• Experience performing testing related to thickness, density, surface roughness, SEM, confocal microscopy, durometer hardness, and general metrology.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Experience documenting results and working within formal quality systems.
• Ability to interpret specifications and compare test results against defined acceptance criteria.
• Knowledge of GMP practices in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and/or confocal microscopy.
• Experience in a materials characterization lab, specialty chemical manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of metrology principles and measurement techniques.
• Experience working within ISO-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and quality tools used in manufacturing and laboratory settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments in a growing organization.

Work Environment

This role is based in a quality laboratory within a manufacturing environment. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with potential opportunities to work additional hours if desired. The lab uses advanced metrology and analytical technologies, including scanning electron microscopes, confocal microscopes, thickness and surface roughness measurement systems, density testing equipment, and durometer hardness testers. The environment emphasizes adherence to quality procedures, GMP, and ISO-related standards, with a strong focus on accuracy, documentation, and safe laboratory practices. The organization is experiencing sales growth and is hiring across multiple departments, offering project-based opportunities with the potential to apply for full-time roles.

This is a Contract position based out of Naperville, IL.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $40.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Naperville,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.