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Water Lab Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Research Innovations

Production Technician, Lab

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Execute water and dust proofing techniques for cable assemblies to ensure durability in harsh environments. Lab Collaboration & Production: * Collaborate daily in the lab with engineering and design ...

Research Innovations

Production Technician, Lab

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Execute water and dust proofing techniques for cable assemblies to ensure durability in harsh environments. Lab Collaboration & Production: * Collaborate daily in the lab with engineering and design ...

Research Innovations

Production Technician, Lab

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Execute water and dust proofing techniques for cable assemblies to ensure durability in harsh environments. Lab Collaboration & Production: * Collaborate daily in the lab with engineering and design ...

GFT.

Senior Water Wastewater Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$100K - $220K/yr

Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency. * Compliance and Safety: Ensure that treated water meets municipal or industrial ...

GFT.

Senior Water Wastewater Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$100K - $220K/yr

Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency. * Compliance and Safety: Ensure that treated water meets municipal or industrial ...

GFT.

Senior Water Wastewater Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$100K - $220K/yr

Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency. * Compliance and Safety: Ensure that treated water meets municipal or industrial ...

Allan Myers

Lab Technician (Asphalt Plant)

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Conducts various lab experiments on products using established scientific protocols. * Coordinates ... We build infrastructure: the highways and bridges that connect cities and towns, the public water ...

Wri

Senior Water Data Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

The Senior Water Data Scientist will work with an interdisciplinary team across WRI's Cities4Forests, Water Program, Global Nature Watch, Data Lab, and regional offices to identify, evaluate, and ...

GeneDx

Lab Technician

Gaithersburg, MD

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Summary The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA ... Possible contact with water (hand washing and cleaning), biohazardous body fluids, and hazardous ...

Dragos

Junior OT/ICS Lab Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$105K/yr

The systems we protect deliver the water you drink, power your home, and keep the hospitals your ... The Junior OT/ICS Lab Engineer is a hands-on technical role supporting the design, build, testing ...

GeneDx

Lab Technician

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Summary The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA ... Possible contact with water (hand washing and cleaning), biohazardous body fluids, and hazardous ...

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All JobsWater Lab JobsWater Lab Jobs in Washington, DC

Water Lab information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$28

$51

How much do water lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for water lab in Washington, DC is $28.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water lab technician?

Water lab technicians are professionals who perform tests and analyses on water samples to ensure that water quality meets safety and regulatory standards. They use specialized equipment to detect contaminants, measure chemical and biological properties, and report their findings to ensure public health and environmental safety. These technicians often work for government agencies, water treatment facilities, or environmental organizations, and play a critical role in monitoring and maintaining water quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Lab Technician, you need a background in chemistry, biology, or environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments (like spectrophotometers), and data management software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong organizational skills help ensure accurate testing and reporting. These skills are vital for maintaining water quality standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting public health.

What are some common challenges encountered in a water lab position, and how can they be managed effectively?

In a Water Lab role, professionals often face challenges such as maintaining strict sample integrity, adhering to rigorous testing protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Managing high sample volumes under tight deadlines can also be demanding. Effective time management, attention to detail, and regular training on updated procedures help address these challenges. Collaboration with team members and clear communication with field staff are also essential for troubleshooting and maintaining quality control.

What is the difference between Water Lab vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater LabWater Quality Technician
CertificationsLaboratory certifications, e.g., CLIA, ISOWater testing certifications, e.g., EPA, state-specific
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, controlled environmentsField sites, treatment plants, outdoor locations
Job FocusAnalyzing samples, lab testing, data reportingCollecting samples, on-site testing, monitoring water quality
Industry UsageUsed in water testing labs, research facilitiesUsed in water treatment plants, environmental agencies

Water Lab professionals primarily work in laboratories analyzing water samples, while Water Quality Technicians often perform field sampling and on-site testing. Both roles require knowledge of water testing procedures, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

Water Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Lab job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,480 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Production Technician, Lab

Research Innovations

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Build and inspect high-reliability cable assemblies, including MIL Spec connectors, RF cabling, and integrated data cables, ensuring adherence to standards.

  • Collaborate with engineering and design teams in the lab to prototype and produce hardware, supporting the transition from prototypes to field-ready units.

  • Troubleshoot assembly failures, conduct product testing for quality verification, and assist in maintaining lab operations and safety procedures.

Job description

Position Title: Production Technician 

Location: Alexandria

Clearance Requirement: Candidate must have the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Employment type: Full Time

Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) is breaking through the big, slow status quo with transformative technology that fundamentally improves the world. We build advanced software solutions for government and military missions, applying agile development and user-centered design to solve complex, mission-critical problems.

RII is seeking an experienced Production Technician to join our SIGINT/EW team. We need a hands-on specialist with experience in the aerospace or defense industry who understands military standards and ruggedization. You will work directly in the lab alongside our engineering leads to prototype and produce hardware that solves unique and challenging problems. You will also be expected to assist the lab manager with daily tasks and responsibilities. 

You will be expected to support high-stakes manufacturing processes and uphold strict quality controls to support one of RII's most successful core values: Get s#it done.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

 Complex Cable & Harness Assembly:

  • Build and inspect high-reliability cable assemblies, including MIL Spec connectors, RF cabling, and integrated data cables, ensuring strict adherence to applicable standards.

  • Perform shield termination on RF cables and verify continuity and isolation to prevent signal interference.

  • Execute water and dust proofing techniques for cable assemblies to ensure durability in harsh environments.

      Lab Collaboration & Production:

  • Collaborate daily in the lab with engineering and design teams to bridge the gap between initial prototypes and field-ready units.

  • Contribute to the ruggedization of sensitive hardware, ensuring components can withstand specific applications such as impact, heat, or salt water.

  • Assist in tracking incoming inventory and sourcing integration pieces to keep lab operations running smoothly.

      Quality Assurance & Standards:

  • Troubleshoot failures in assemblies and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

  • Conduct product testing to verify manufacturing quality, ensuring compliance with industry and safety standards.

  • Assist manage daily operations of the hardware development and prototyping lab environment.

  • Assist maintain organized workspaces, tools, equipment, and test areas to support engineering productivity.

  • Assist develop and enforce lab safety procedures, security protocols, and operational best practices.

  • Assist ensure lab readiness to support rapid prototyping, integration, and testing activities.

WHAT YOU HAVE DONE

  • Must have prior experience in Aerospace, Defense, Military Avionics, or Satellite/UAV manufacturing.

  • Experience in manufacturing small form factor electronics or cable assembly.

  • Strong familiarity with military standards (MIL-STD), ruggedization processes, and environmental protection (waterproofing, corrosion resistance).

  • Demonstrated ability to build complex wire harnesses and terminate RF connectors.

EVEN BETTER

  • A US security clearance.

  • Current or prior certification in IPC-J-STD-001 (Soldering) and IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Cable & Wire Harness).

  • Experience with a variety of prototyping equipment including 3D printing and Laser cutting.

  • Understanding of different materials and coatings for specific applications, such as impact or salt water corrosion.

  • Background in high reliability/low volume environments.

#LI-TC1

At RII, we believe that diversity in our workforce is critical to our success. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We work to help your intellectual passions and creativity thrive. It’s one of our core values: Let your geek flag fly.
 
We also offer all employees comprehensive benefits including: flexible work schedules, health insurance coverage, paid time off, 401k with a company match, paid parental leave, access to wellness programs and much more. You get this all from day one, and all paid for by RII.
 
It’s all part of another of our core values: Stay human. It’s why our comfortable and colorful offices such as our headquarters, include a community game room, pantry, massage chair, and an escape room, among other amenities. It’s why we have community ambassadors and regular community events.
 
Research Innovations Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.