Temporary Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Madison, WI

Analytical Chemist - Entry Level

Shift: 2nd shift, 2:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 12:00-8:30 p.m. on Friday

Job Description

This role focuses on performing analytical testing of fats, cholesterol, and fatty acids in food and dietary supplement samples within a dedicated lipids team. You will learn and apply standardized methods to analyze samples in accordance with SOPs and regulatory guidelines, starting with crude fat extraction assays and progressing to more advanced fatty acid testing using GC instrumentation. Over time, you may also have the opportunity to learn new LC-MS methods as they are implemented by the team.

Responsibilities

• Analyze samples for various compounds and components in compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory agency guidelines.
• Perform fats and cholesterol testing, including fat extraction analysis in food samples.
• Run crude fat extraction assays, including weighing samples, performing extractions, drying samples, and documenting results accurately.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as analytical balances, pipettes, and gas chromatography (GC) instrumentation.
• Use NIMs software to manage sample information, record data, and support reporting of test results.
• Learn and, within approximately six months, independently run fatty acid assays using GC instrumentation.
• Follow wet chemistry techniques and maintain high standards of laboratory practice and sample handling.
• Collaborate closely with team members, passing tasks and samples between colleagues throughout the day to ensure efficient workflow.
• Work independently when required while maintaining strong communication with the team.
• Maintain a strong focus on accuracy, precision, and attention to detail in all testing activities.
• Support the implementation of new methods, including LC-MS-based assays, by learning from more tenured chemists as opportunities arise.
• Contribute to meeting turnaround times for client testing by working efficiently in a fast-paced, production-oriented laboratory environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related life science field OR an Associate’s degree in a relevant discipline with at least 2 years of laboratory experience.
• 1–3 years of work experience demonstrating the ability to multitask and maintain a strong work ethic.
• Experience with HPLC or GC instrumentation in an academic setting ideal.
• Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment such as balances and pipettes.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

The pay range for this position is $22.89 - $22.89/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Madison,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.