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Spectrometer Operator Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Spectrometer Operator information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$12

$18

$28

How much do spectrometer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for spectrometer operator in Milwaukee, WI is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by spectrometer operators, and how can they be overcome?

Spectrometer Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment calibration, interpreting complex data accurately, and managing tight deadlines for sample analysis. To overcome these, it's important to follow strict maintenance schedules, stay current with training on new software or analytical methods, and communicate proactively with team members about workload and priorities. Building strong troubleshooting skills and attention to detail can also help ensure high-quality results and minimize costly errors.

What is the difference between Spectrometer Operator vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpectrometer OperatorLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on spectrometry equipmentHigh school diploma or associate degree; general lab training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial or research labs focusing on spectrometry analysisVarious labs including medical, research, or industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, research institutions, quality controlHospitals, research labs, manufacturing plants
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical skills and equipment handlingCompared for broader lab duties and analytical tasks

In summary, Spectrometer Operators focus specifically on operating spectrometry equipment, requiring specialized training, while Laboratory Technicians perform a broader range of lab tasks, often including sample preparation and data recording. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ in scope and technical focus.

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

To thrive as a Spectrometer Operator, you need a solid background in chemistry or physics, attention to detail, and typically a technical diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), spectrometer calibration, and specific analysis software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the ability to follow precise protocols make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data analysis, reliable instrument operation, and compliance with quality and safety standards in laboratory environments.

What does a spectrometer operator do?

A Spectrometer Operator is responsible for running and maintaining spectrometry equipment to analyze the composition of materials. They prepare samples, operate the spectrometer, record data, and interpret results to identify elements or compounds present. This role is common in laboratories within industries such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and manufacturing. Spectrometer Operators must follow strict safety and quality protocols and often collaborate with scientists or engineers to ensure accurate results.
What are popular job titles related to Spectrometer Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI? For Spectrometer Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Spectrometer Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Spectrometer Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
Spectrometer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spectrometer Operator job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,835 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Foundry Lab Technician

Mid-City Foundry Company

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Full job description
Foundry Lab Technician
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Hours: 3rd Shift, 9pm – 5am
Reports To: VP of Quality Management
Join Our Team at Mid-City Foundry: Crafting Excellence Since 1941
Are you ready to be part of a well-established, family-owned company that has shaped the industry for over eight decades? At Mid-City Foundry, we take pride in our legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence.
About Us
With roots firmly grounded in tradition, Mid-City Foundry has grown into a key player in the foundry industry. Operating two facilities in Milwaukee and Grafton, Wisconsin, we continue to expand our capabilities and impact.
Our success is driven by cost-effective solutions, attention to detail, and flexible manufacturing processes. We specialize in adapting existing patterns and developing new pattern equipment to meet the unique needs of each facility and design.
If you’re looking to join a team that values tradition, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, we invite you to explore this opportunity.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the VP of Quality Management, the Foundry Lab Technician is responsible for performing various metallurgical tests to ensure all iron produced meets internal and external requirements. The Foundry Lab Technician shall also perform various sand tests to ensure key properties are maintained.
Education/Equivalent:
  • Education equivalent to a high school diploma or trade school is preferred
Work Experience Needed:
  • 5-7 years of previous experience working as a Lab Technician in a manufacturing setting preferred
Knowledge/Special Skills/Abilities Needed:
  • Must possess basic mathematic skills.
  • Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and in written form.
  • Must be able to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Must be able to conduct tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Must be able to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Nature amp; Scope-Principal Areas of Responsibilities: The list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.
  1. Laboratory/Metallurgy (Milwaukee Plant only):
  • Complete all metal testing on the Spectrometer, Leco and Micro Polisher in a timely manner.
  • Calculate all alloy additions for the melt department.
  • Assist in CG pour (become proficient in process and how equipment is used).
  • Collect samples and perform sand testing, as required.
  • Ensure all sand and metal is to specification.
  • Ensure all required test bar and micro lug molds (per Pouring Schedule) are present and ready for pouring prior to first tap of each heat, notify Melt Department Supervisor with any issues.
  • Assist Melt Department when needed (retrieve sample buttons/lugs from pouring floor, weigh alloys, etc).
  • Process test bars on a daily basis.
  • Ensure all equipment is calibrated and in proper working order, take appropriate action as needed.
  • Identify and communicate out of specification conditions (sand and metal) and advise appropriate action.
  • Back up machines daily.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the lab.
  1. Documentation Control / Certification (both plants - Grafton and Milwaukee):
  • Create customer required material certifications in a timely manner.
  • Create packing slip for outside laboratory testing.
  • Maintain records and photographs for all micro lugs.
Essential Functions:
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or touch. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, reach above shoulders, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and use foot/feet to operate machine. The employee occasionally is required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles, frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to extreme heat (non-weather). The employee is occasionally exposed to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold (non-weather), vibration and work/job related travel. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
This position description is intended for the purpose of position evaluation and salary positioning and is not a contract setting forth the full scope of employment. The employer retains the right to deviate from the description at its discretion, without notice.

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