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Lab Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ecolab

Senior Lab Technician

Naperville, IL · On-site

$28/hr

Associate's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or relevant science discipline * 1 year of lab-based experience * Immigration sponsorship is not offered for this role Preferred ...

Engineering Systems Inc

Technologist (Lab)

Aurora, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

About ESi Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) is an engineering and scientific investigation and failure ... Supports consultants in project work involving lab facilities and lab equipment. * Supports ...

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 ...

Ecolab

Lab Technician

Joliet, IL · On-site

$27/hr

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field * Strong background in scientific skills and lab analysis * Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications * Strong verbal and ...

Ecolab

Lab Technician

Joliet, IL

$27/hr

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field * Strong background in scientific skills and lab analysis * Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications * Strong verbal and ...

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 ...

Perkins & 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 sized ...

Actalent

Medical Lab Assistant

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Medical Lab Assistant This role will be working with urine and blood. People will have to be ... About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent ...

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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 Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab engineer in Chicago, IL is $49.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.88 and $61.92 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, stock options, or working in high-demand industries with complex technical requirements.

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 lab jobs pay well?

Lab engineers and related laboratory roles that require specialized skills, such as biomedical, chemical, or industrial lab engineers, tend to pay higher salaries, especially with advanced certifications or experience. Positions in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and manufacturing often offer higher compensation due to technical demands and safety requirements.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or executive-level roles.

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 does a lab engineer do?

A lab engineer designs, develops, and maintains laboratory equipment and systems to support scientific research and testing. They often troubleshoot technical issues, ensure safety protocols, and may use tools like CAD software or testing instruments. Strong technical skills and knowledge of laboratory procedures are essential for this role.

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 79% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,669 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Coffee Lab Graduate Assistant

Coffee Lab Graduate Assistant

North Central College

Naperville, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Posting Number GA000133 Position Title Coffee Lab Graduate Assistant Position ID GA-COFFEE-LAB Department School of Business & Entrepreneurship Division Academic Affairs Supervisor Amy Rogers Supervisor Title MGR-COFFEELAB Description of Job Duties
Position Summary:
The Coffee Lab Graduate Assistant helps manage the state-of-the-art Coffee Lab at North Central College. It is a faculty-student-partner collaboration that focuses on direct trade, relationship-based social enterprises and provides a distinct educational model and business opportunity that serves the campus and community. Building on the work of Enactus and their coffee business, the Coffee Lab provides roasting services, private and public coffee classes, coffee tastings, coffee brewing, and other events and trainings. Through these offerings, students, faculty, alumni, and community members collaborate to provide rich experiential learning opportunities.
Essential Functions: 
- Support the vision for the North Central College Coffee Lab, as set by the Coffee Lab Advisory Board, to operate this signature, high-impact, experiential learning opportunity through a student-run business that supports the College's strategic plan. 
- Perform and manage roasting operations including but not limited to assisting with acquiring green beans, green bean room management, roast profile development, roasting, roaster cleaning and basic maintenance, and bean inventory. 
- Perform weekly bookkeeping tasks including but not limited to invoicing. (Primarily in year two of the position.)
- Develop and implement programming focused around coffee and related products for both the NCC and external community with the assistance of The Coffee Lab Manager, CLAB members, and students.
- Provide support for operational management and programmatic execution for all additional aspects of the Coffee Lab, including brewing, packaging, tours, events, and student staffing
- Be available to oversee and/or assist with immediate needs or equipment issues that arise. 
- Engage with the Enactus student organization around Coffee Lab activities. 
- Advance the principles of social entrepreneurship and social justice through the Coffee Lab, both through operations and communications. Widely share the story of the Coffee Lab through relevant networks to raise the College's profile. 
 - Flexibility to take on other job-related duties as assigned.
Do the job duties for this position have any potential exposure to student records? No Do the job duties for this position include any driving requirements? Yes Will this position be working with minors? No Job Qualifications
Job Qualifications
- Accepted into a graduate program at North Central College.
- Ability to manage ongoing projects and provide direct service to students.
- Advanced skills using MS Office Suite, specifically Excel.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Food Manager Certification required but can be obtained during the first 60 days. (If not already certified, course and exams fees will be covered by the college.)
- Ability to work flexible hours in limited circumstances including evenings and weekends.
- Roasting experience is not required but an eagerness to learn and a genuine interest in the coffee industry is.

Approximate number of work hours per week 20 hours per week during the academic year, excluding academic breaks New or Replacement? Replacement If replacement, person(s) being replaced
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Office of Human Resources at 630-637-5757 or humanresources@hr.noctrl.edu
Determinations for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Open Date 12/12/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes

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