Senior Lab Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Lab Technician analyzes production samples and raw materials, operates advanced analytical instruments, and ensures that all products meet strict quality standards before shipment. This role combines hands-on laboratory testing, data interpretation, and coordination with management and other lab personnel to support a high-volume quality control environment. The position may also be considered at an intermediate level for candidates with slightly less experience but a strong chemistry and quality control background.

• Analyze production samples and raw materials using appropriate testing equipment and standardized procedures.
• Operate a wide range of laboratory instruments, including gas chromatographs, ICP spectrometers, ion chromatographs, high performance liquid chromatographs (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, pH meters, and density meters.
• Carry out routine laboratory tasks accurately while following strict methodologies and documented analytical protocols.
• Sample, test, and approve raw materials in accordance with established quality control requirements.
• Ensure all products are tested and approved in time to support next-day shipping schedules.
• Perform quarterly, bi-annual, and annual testing of products and raw materials as required by quality programs or regulatory standards.
• Assist upper management with laboratory-related tasks and special projects as needed.
• Provide work direction and technical guidance to other laboratory personnel on special test procedures and day-to-day testing activities.
• Interpret analytical results and prepare clear summaries or reports for presentation to Senior management.
• Organize and store retained samples in accordance with product shelf-life requirements and internal retention policies.
• Order and maintain laboratory supplies, monitor inventory levels, and review supplier invoices for management approval.
• Prepare and stock reagents, standards, and other supplies needed for daily laboratory operations.
• Train new laboratory team members on various test techniques after gaining expertise in those methods.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment, including routine verification and calibration of instruments.
• Complete monthly equipment ledger entries and coordinate with repair and maintenance service providers when issues arise.
• Maintain daily logs, equipment record books, and other documentation to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Perform general housekeeping duties within the laboratory to maintain safety, cleanliness, and proper laboratory standards.
• Manage all incoming and outgoing laboratory-related emails and communications.
• Adapt responsibilities as needed for an intermediate-level lab technician, with duties adjusted to match experience and competency.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Chemistry from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and four to five years of related experience and training for the Senior level.
• For the Senior lab technician profile, 4–5 years of related experience in a quality control laboratory environment.
• For the intermediate lab technician profile, a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Chemistry or equivalent combination of education and experience, with a preferred 3–4 years of related experience in a quality control laboratory environment.
• Ability to fully understand and follow the organization’s daily production flow and its impact on laboratory testing schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to perform a variety of testing procedures, including wet chemistry and analytical chemistry methods.
• Experience in training laboratory staff on test methods and laboratory procedures.
• Experience troubleshooting a variety of laboratory and testing problems in a quality control environment.
• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques, including titration and related bench chemistry methods.
• Proficiency in operating and interpreting results from HPLC, gas chromatography (GC), ICP, and FTIR instruments.
• background in quality control (QC) and quality assurance practices within a laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with good manufacturing practices (GMP) as they relate to laboratory testing and documentation.
• Strong laboratory record-keeping skills, including maintaining logs, equipment records, and test documentation.
• Some supervisory or lead experience in a laboratory environment is preferred for the Senior-level role.

• Experience in a chemical quality control laboratory environment, including exposure to chemical production processes.
• Ability to manage multiple testing priorities in alignment with production schedules and shipping deadlines.
• Comfort working with a wide variety of chemicals and laboratory reagents in a controlled environment.
• Strong organizational skills for managing retain samples, lab inventory, and documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for reporting results and interacting with management and lab staff.
• Experience in quality control systems, including GMP, QC documentation, and audit readiness.
• Flexibility to perform both routine and non-routine tests and to adapt to evolving testing requirements.
• Capability to substitute relevant experience for formal education on a year-for-year basis, where appropriate.

This position operates in a laboratory environment on a first-shift, Monday–Friday schedule. The laboratory houses a variety of analytical instruments and equipment, including chromatographs, spectrometers, pH meters, and other specialized devices, along with an assortment of chemicals and reagents. The noise level is moderate due to multiple active instruments in an open lab setting. The ambient temperature is cooler than a typical office environment. On occasion, the role requires entry into the chemical production area as requested, which may involve rare exposure to wet or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, weather extremes, vibration, and a risk of electric shock. There is occasional exposure to toxic or caustic substances, with appropriate safety protocols and protective equipment in place to manage these risks.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lemont, IL.

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $31.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Lemont,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.