Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Wisconsin

Job Title: Chemical Engineering Student - Laboratory R&D Technician
Job Description
This role offers a hands-on opportunity for a chemical engineering student or laboratory-focused candidate to work in a pilot-scale R&D environment. You will set up and operate pilot equipment, perform analytical testing, and document results to support the development of chemical processes and products. The position provides exposure to the full lifecycle of an intricate scientific process, from sampling and evaporation to crystallization, extraction, and analytical testing, giving you accelerated experience in chemical engineering and R&D.
Responsibilities

• Set up and operate pilot equipment such as evaporators, crystallizers, boilers, and related systems to support ongoing R&D projects.
• Operate hoses, pumps, heaters, centrifuges, and other support equipment throughout testing processes to ensure consistent and reliable operation.
• Record and document equipment outputs, including pressure, temperature, gauge levels, and relevant chemical data, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Perform analytical testing such as titrations, spectroscopy, solids composition analysis, crystal characterization, and microscopy to evaluate samples and process performance.
• Document all laboratory results clearly and systematically, maintaining accurate records for analysis, reporting, and future reference.
• Collaborate with other team members to interpret data and develop products and processes aligned with specific customer applications.
• Follow basic laboratory practices, including proper sample handling, lab housekeeping, and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory workspace by following safety guidelines and good laboratory practices at all times.
• Support R&D efforts by learning and applying the full process chain, including sampling, evaporation, crystallization, extraction, and subsequent analytical and wet chemistry testing.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by communicating observations, suggesting process optimizations, and supporting troubleshooting activities during pilot runs.

Essential Skills

• Some laboratory experience in any laboratory setting with exposure to testing and basic lab operations, even at an entry level.
• Base understanding of laboratory processes such as sample preparation, equipment operation, and data recording.
• Experience or familiarity with chemistry, biology, or related laboratory disciplines.
• Ability to perform or learn wet chemistry techniques such as titrations and related analytical methods.
• Willingness and ability to learn how to operate pilot equipment including evaporators, crystallizers, boilers, pumps, heaters, and centrifuges.
• Capability to accurately record and document experimental data, including pressures, temperatures, gauge readings, and chemical measurements.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to laboratory safety and cleanliness standards.
• Ability to work consistently within a structured schedule and follow standard operating procedures.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members and support product and process development.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background or education in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or related scientific fields.
• Experience with reverse osmosis processes or equipment.
• Experience with crystallization processes and crystal characterization techniques.
• Exposure to inorganic analytical testing methods and spectroscopy.
• Experience as a chemical operator, particularly with medium to high levels of process or equipment experience.
• Interest in chemical engineering, R&D, and scale-up processes from laboratory to pilot scale.
• Motivation to learn complex scientific processes from start to finish and to build a broad skill set in chemical processes and analytical testing.
• Openness to a contract-to-hire arrangement with the potential for performance-based pay increases and long-term employment.

Work Environment
You will work in a laboratory environment alongside approximately 15 colleagues, collaborating closely with other scientists, engineers, and technicians. The role follows a Monday through Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing a consistent daytime work pattern. The lab is equipped with pilot-scale equipment such as evaporators, crystallizers, boilers, pumps, heaters, centrifuges, and reverse osmosis systems, as well as analytical tools for titrations, spectroscopy, solids composition analysis, crystal characterization, and microscopy. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to good laboratory practices. This contract position offers significant professional growth, allowing you to gain accelerated experience in R&D, chemical processes, chemical engineering scale-up, and inorganic analytical testing, with the potential for conversion to a permanent role and performance-based pay increases.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of HARTLAND, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.
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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in HARTLAND,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 30, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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.
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