1

Lab Associate Jobs in Elk River, MN (NOW HIRING)

R&D Engineering Lab Technician

Anoka, MN · On-site

$23.94 - $44.42/hr

Associate degree or equivalent technical training in electrical, electronics, HVAC, refrigeration, or a related field preferred. * 2+ years of experience working in an engineering, R&D, or test lab ...

Manager, Lab

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$75K - $118K/yr

The Lab Manager will be accountable for service, quality, cost management, and leadership of all ... Conduct activities designed to grow the core knowledge of associates working toward defect ...

Lab Test Technician

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Associate's degree in HVAC&R or equivalent hands-on experience * Experience in a mechanical test lab or field service environment (preferred) * Relevant certifications such as EPA 608 * Strong ...

This isn't just a lab role. It's an opportunity to contribute to innovations that impact real lives, collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, and shape the future of animal health. As an Associate ...

Advanced Lab Assistant

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

Or, an associate degree with 0-2 years of related experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of general lab equipment, and centrifuge * Knowledge of safety and company rules and ...

Or, an associate degree with 0-2 years of related experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of general lab equipment, and centrifuge * Knowledge of safety and company rules and ...

Quality Lab Lead

Elk River, MN · On-site

$32 - $38.50/hr

Associate degree strongly preferred * Strong technical & fixturing background in measurement lab operations or quality systems. * Proficiency in quality documentation and Reporting * Excellent ...

Quality Lab Lead

Elk River, MN · On-site

$32 - $38.50/hr

Associate degree strongly preferred * Strong technical & fixturing background in measurement lab operations or quality systems. * Proficiency in quality documentation and Reporting * Excellent ...

Quality Lab Lead

Elk River, MN · On-site

$32 - $38.50/hr

Associate degree strongly preferred * Strong technical & fixturing background in measurement lab operations or quality systems. * Proficiency in quality documentation and Reporting * Excellent ...

Associate degree strongly preferred * Strong technical & fixturing background in measurement lab operations or quality systems. * Proficiency in quality documentation and Reporting * Excellent ...

Medical Lab Technician

Buffalo, MN · On-site

$27.65 - $37.90/hr

August 05, 2026 Department: 72406301 Buffalo Lab Shift: Evening/Night (United States of America ... Associate's or Vocational degree in a related laboratory field including clinical rotations or ...

Showing results 41-60

Lab Associate information

See Elk River, MN salary details

$13

$23

$36

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Elk River, MN is $23.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab associate?

Lab Associates are professionals who assist in the daily operations of laboratories by performing tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They typically work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and help ensure that laboratory procedures are followed safely and accurately. Lab Associates play a crucial role in supporting research and development, quality control, or diagnostic testing in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the specific lab setting and industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab associate?

To thrive as a Lab Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and typically a degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and efficient support for scientific research or clinical testing.

What are some typical challenges a lab associate might face during day-to-day work, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring precise documentation, and maintaining equipment. Staying organized by keeping detailed lab notes and using lab management software can help streamline workflow. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is vital to address any issues promptly and maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment. Regularly scheduled equipment checks and proactive troubleshooting also contribute to smoother operations.

What is the difference between Lab Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications varyAssociate degree or relevant certification; similar educational background
Work EnvironmentHospitals, research labs, clinicsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, data entry, basic testingPerforming tests, maintaining equipment, recording results
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, research, biotechMedical, industrial, research sectors

Both Lab Associates and Laboratory Technicians work in similar environments and often share educational requirements. The main difference lies in specific job duties, with Laboratory Technicians typically performing more complex tests and equipment maintenance. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Elk River, MN?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Elk River, MN are:

What cities near Elk River, MN are hiring for Lab Associate jobs?

Cities near Elk River, MN with the most Lab Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Elk River, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,261 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Maintenance Engineer - R&D Engineering Test Lab

Anoka, MN • On-site


nVent
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

297th of 545 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

We're looking for people who put their innovation to work to advance our success - and their own. Join an organization that ensures a more secure world through connecting and protecting our customers with inventive electrical solutions.

We are seeking a Maintenance Engineer to own and evolve the infrastructure that supports R&D testing, spanning existing lab equipment and new largescale thermal and high-density liquid cooling (HDLC) test infrastructure. You will play a key role in strengthening lab reliability and ensuring test systems can support sophisticated engineering validation work.

** You will work on-site 5 days/week in Anoka, MN. Core hours are from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. **

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE IN THIS POSITION:

  • Own the maintenance, reliability, and longterm readiness of R&D engineering test lab equipment, including thermal, pressure, mechanical, and electromechanical systems.
  • Develop, implement, and sustain preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize unplanned downtime and improve equipment availability.
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement maintenance, repair, upgrade, installation, and commissioning projects for existing test assets and new test facilities coming online.
  • Solve complex issues involving industrial refrigeration systems, controls, sensors, electrical power, and mechanical components.
  • Lead calibration planning, execution, and documentation for lab equipment, ensuring traceability to NIST standards in support of ISO 17025 and UL certification requirements.
  • Partner with R&D engineers to support test execution and provide engineering input on test cell layout, equipment design, and lab infrastructure.
  • Implement, integrate, and support controls, LabVIEWbased test software, and data acquisition systems used to operate, monitor, and calibrate lab equipment.

YOU HAVE:

  • An Associate's (A.S.) degree, 2-year technical degree, or equivalent education/technical training in Engineering, Engineering Technology, HVAC/R, or a closely related technical field.
  • Ideally 3-5 years of handson experience supporting sophisticated electromechanical systems in an R&D lab, test environment, commercial/industrial facility, or manufacturing setting.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and implement planned and conditionbased maintenance in uptimecritical environments.
  • Background working with industrial refrigeration or thermal systems, including integrated heating, cooling, and compressorbased systems.
  • Basic knowledge of electrical controls, PLCs, and sensors, including an understanding of how sensing and control systems interact within automated equipment.
  • Strong diagnostic skills and sound engineering judgment, including the ability to interpret equipment documentation, manuals, schematics, and engineering drawings to diagnose root causes and implement durable solutions.
  • Experience implementing, integrating, or supporting controls software and LabVIEWbased test environments a plus.
  • Ability to lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs. without assistance and stand or sit for extended periods.
  • EPA 608 certification required, or willingness to acquire within 3 months of start date (company paid).

WE HAVE:

  • A dynamic global reach with diverse operations around the world that will stretch your abilities, provide plentiful career opportunities, and allow you to make an impact every day

    • nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. We believe our inventive electrical solutions enable safer systems and ensure a more secure world. We design, manufacture, market, install and service high performance products and solutions that connect and protect some of the world's most sensitive equipment, buildings and critical processes. We offer a comprehensive range of systems protection and electrical connections solutions across industry-leading brands that are recognized globally for quality, reliability and innovation.

    • Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis. Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and includes nVent CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, ILSCO, SCHROFF and TRACHTE. Learn more at www.nvent.com.

  • Commitment to strengthen communities where our employees live and work

    • We encourage and support the philanthropic activities of our employees worldwide

    • Through our nVent in Action matching program, we provide funds to nonprofit and educational organizations where our employees volunteer or donate money

  • Core values that shape our culture and drive us to deliver the best for our employees and our customers. We're known for being:

    • Innovative & adaptable

    • Dedicated to absolute integrity

    • Focused on the customer first

    • Respectful and team oriented

    • Optimistic and energizing

    • Accountable for performance

  • Benefits to support the lives of our employees

Pay Transparency
nVent's pay scale is based on the expected range of base pay for this job and the employee's work location. Employee pay within this range will be based on a combination of factors including knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, education, and performance. Where federal, state, or local minimum wage requirements exist, employee pay will comply.
Compensation Range:

$76,000.00 - $141,100.00

Depending on the position offered, employee may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as annual incentives.

Benefit Overview

At nVent, we value our people and their health and well-being. We provide a broad benefits package with meaningful programs for eligible full-time employees that includes:

  • Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance.

  • A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan - both include a company match.

  • Other supplemental benefits may include tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and/or legal & identity theft protection.

At nVent, we connect and protect our customers with inventive electrical solutions. People are our most valuable asset. Inclusion and diversity means that we celebrate and encourage each other's authenticity because we understand that uniqueness sparks growth.

#LI-Onsite
#LI-JM2

nVent logo

About nVent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing and civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis Park, MN, US

Social media


What nVent employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom