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Lab Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Atkore

Lab Technician

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$46K - $64K/yr

Lab Technician Who we are: Atkore is forging a future where all Atkore brands, suppliers, employees ... All duties as instructed by the engineer/manager. What You'll bring: * High school diploma required.

Nidec

CNC Machinist - Engineering Lab

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$31 - $45/hr

Engineering Lab / Non-Production --- Why This Role Exists This role exists to support product engineering, prototyping, and R&D efforts within Nidec's Engineering Lab. Rather than running production ...

Perkins & Will

Lab Planner

Chicago, IL

$90K - $120K/yr

A Lab Planner will be responsible for assisting the laboratory project planning effort toward the ... Leads with advanced technical knowledge in the laboratory planning and programming of various sized ...

Perkins and Will

Lab Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

A Lab Planner will be responsible for assisting the laboratory project planning effort toward the ... Leads with advanced technical knowledge in the laboratory planning and programming of various ...

NSI INDUSTRIES

QC Lab Technician (2nd Shift)

Norridge, IL · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

We are looking for a QC Lab Technician to join the team at our Norridge, IL location. Are you ... Verify product compliance with engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T requirements, specifications ...

Atkore Management, LLC

Lab Manager

Merrillville, IN

$103K - $142K/yr

Lab Manager Who we are: Atkore, is forging a future where our employees, customers, suppliers ... Proficiency in Engineering Software (Inventor, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) * Understanding of Product ...

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All JobsLab Engineer JobsLab Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lab Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$49

$74

How much do lab engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab engineer in Chicago, IL is $49.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.93 and $61.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Lab Engineers and what do they do?

Lab Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating laboratory equipment and systems. They work in various fields such as electronics, chemistry, or biomedical engineering, ensuring experiments and tests are conducted accurately and safely. Lab Engineers also troubleshoot technical issues, calibrate equipment, and often assist researchers or students with their projects. Their work is critical for supporting research and development, quality control, and product testing.

What Is a Lab Engineer?

A lab engineer is responsible for the IT infrastructure of a laboratory. As a lab engineer, your job duties include conducting technical evaluations of hardware equipment and software, deploying code, troubleshooting and fixing issues, maintaining the server and network systems, and coordinating with scientists, lab technicians, system engineers, and operations staff. You need a bachelor’s degree in a technical field and experience with networking principles, middleware platform, and database connectivity. You can find lab engineer jobs in the science and medical research industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Engineers and how can they be addressed?

Lab Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions, managing multiple experiments simultaneously, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Staying organized and maintaining detailed documentation can help manage workload and prevent errors. Regular communication with team members and ongoing training on new technologies are also essential for staying current and effective in the role.

What is the difference between Lab Engineer vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab EngineerLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related fieldDiploma or associate degree in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee laboratory experiments and equipmentPerform routine tests, prepare samples, and maintain lab equipment
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlMedical labs, research facilities, industrial testing

Lab Engineers focus on designing and managing laboratory processes and equipment, often requiring engineering degrees. Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing and sample preparation, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in lab settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering or applied sciences, analytical problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with lab instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and standard safety protocols is essential, and certifications such as OSHA or Six Sigma can be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and organizational skills set standout candidates apart. These competencies ensure accurate experimentation, reliable results, and a safe, efficient laboratory environment.
More about Lab Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Lab Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Lab Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Lab Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,750 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Lab Technician

Lab Technician

Atkore

Merrillville, IN • On-site

$46K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Atkore rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

363rd of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Lab Technician
Who we are:
Atkore is forging a future where all Atkore brands, suppliers, employees, customers, partners, and communities are building better together - a future focused on serving the customer and powering and protecting the world.
Atkore is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electrical, mechanical, and safety infrastructure solutions to power and protect the world. With approximately 3,900 employees and 65 manufacturing and distribution facilities worldwide, Atkore manufactures electrical conduit, cable management systems, armored cable, metal framing, and security products and solutions is a recent recipient of a Great Place to Work© certification. Atkore's commitment to quality, delivery and value helps customers realize their vision. Atkore forges relationships and shapes the future with breakthrough results, enhanced technology, and innovative product offerings. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
Who we are looking for:
We are currently looking for a Lab Technician to be based out of Hobart, Indiana, reporting to the Principal Engineer/Manager. The Lab Technician will be responsible for ensuring testing the parts are being produced at the production facility, working on sample preparation for metallurgical analysis, and helping failure analysis.
What you'll do:
  • Adherence to Atkore Safety / Life Saving Rules is paramount.
  • Knowledge of 5S, lean sustainment and problem solving.
  • Cutting, milling the tensile samples from the tubes
  • Mechanical testing of test samples.
  • Mounting the metallographic samples.
  • Polishing, etching and recording the microstructure.
  • Ensure customer packaging requirements are met.
  • Few tasks are primarily on the production floor and include walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, lifting up to 50 Lbs., etc. to perform inspections.
  • All duties as instructed by the engineer/manager.

What You'll bring:
  • High school diploma required. Degree or technical degree preferred.
  • 3+ years work-related experience in quality inspections, measurement and spec/print reading required.
  • General understanding of mechanical testing of steel is a plus.
  • General understanding of SPC (Statistical Process Control) is a PLUS

  • Working knowledge of AS400, and/or JD Edwards a plus
  • Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Basic computer knowledge is a plus.
  • Testing & measurement experience.

    • Ability to read customer specs/prints and distinguish acceptance criteria.
    • Ability to operate and read various measuring devices.

      • Tape measure
      • Calipers
      • Micrometer
      • Digital protractor

    • Strong math skills, convert decimals to fractions and vice versa, convert metric to standard, understand basic geometry and algebra for product design.
    • Safety action orientated.
    • Must possess an outgoing positive attitude, learning skills, be a team player and illustrate a strong work ethic.
    • All associates must embrace and foster an environment that supports our core values of Accountability, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect, Excellence

Within 3 months, you'll:
  • Complete your Atkore immersion program
  • Understand how your job will help deliver Atkore's strategy.
  • Gain an understanding of your team.
  • Gain an understanding of the training materials and procedures your team owns.

Within 6 months, you'll:
  • Identify ways to strengthen the team's commitment to Atkore.
  • Be planning, organizing, and supporting Lab Programs
  • Achieve operational excellence, provide superior support to production, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Join our team and align yourself with an industry leader!
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay for this position is $46,800 - $64,350. Placement in the range depends on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs and may change over time. Other compensation may include, but not limited to, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, stock, and other incentives.
Benefits available include:
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • 401k
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid holidays
  • Any leave required under federal, state, or local law

Benefits are subject to vesting and eligibility requirements.
Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.
#LI-KB1
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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