Lab Associate Jobs in Oswego, IL (NOW HIRING)

With over 70 years of innovative products and services, Valto, Inc is the world’s leading provider of FRP composite panels. Our lightweight composite products deliver unsurpassed strength and durability; and we continue to pioneer next level performance in building materials, recreational vehicles, and transportation. We deliver quality products that perform in demanding environments.

Valto is seeking a Lab Technician to perform laboratory testing, support technical and quality improvement projects, investigate product quality issues, and assist with process optimization. This role helps maintain product quality standards, supports corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives, and serves as a backup for QA Technicians as needed to ensure uninterrupted quality operations.

The Lab Technician collaborates closely with the Quality Manager, Quality Coordinator, Technical Manager, and Plant Chemist, providing timely updates and reporting project results. This role also partners Operations and, when needed, communicates technical findings and quality-related information to customers to support product performance, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.

How you’ll make an impact in this role:

• Champion a safe work environment by following all laboratory and manufacturing safety procedures and properly utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Support product quality and process excellence through laboratory testing, analysis, and troubleshooting activities.
• Develop and execute test plans for trial materials, alternative raw materials, product evaluations, and issue resolution.
• Investigate customer complaints, product concerns, internal non-conformances, and process deviations to identify root causes and support corrective actions.
• Analyze and summarize test results using tools such as Excel and Minitab, providing clear, data-driven recommendations to stakeholders.
• Perform color matching, color control, slurry formulation, and specialized studies to ensure color consistency and product performance.
• Utilize precision measuring, weighing, and color instrumentation to verify product specifications and quality standards.
• Maintain a strong understanding of raw materials—including catalysts, promoters, resins, monomers, pigments, and fillers—and their impact on product quality and manufacturing processes.
• Support and maintain the quality management system by assisting with controlled documents, forms, internal audits, and compliance activities.
• Serve as a laboratory hygiene program administrator and help maintain an organized, clean, and safe work environment following 5S principles.
• Partner closely with production, quality, and technical teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Provide backup support for QA Technicians to ensure uninterrupted quality operations and testing coverage.
• Utilize business systems, including KBM, to accurately document and communicate quality-related information.
• Demonstrate strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, collaboration, and communication skills while working independently and as part of a team.
• Maintain flexibility to support varying shifts and business needs as required.

What it takes to succeed:

• A self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and effectively manage priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including knowledge of statistical methods and their application in quality improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency with computers and data analysis tools.
• Dependable attendance, a positive attitude, and a commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Ability to safely perform job-related physical activities, including standing, walking, stooping, climbing, handling materials, and lifting up to 60 pounds.

What You'll Bring to the Table

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biology, or Physics preferred; Associate's degree in Chemistry or a related field with relevant laboratory experience will also be considered.

We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that includes bonus eligibility and a competitive benefits program. This package includes employer-subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability; 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, EAP, and Educational Assistance; Parental Leave, Paid Time Off (for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave), and 11 Paid Holidays.

For this role, we anticipate paying $26-$29 an hour. Placement within the range considers experience, skills, and internal equity.

Valto, Inc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws