Lab Technician

Job Title: R&D Lab Technician - Powder Coatings

Job Description

This role supports the research and development team by preparing, testing, and refining powder coating formulations to meet customer specifications. You will work hands-on in a state-of-the-art lab, performing color matching, running bonding and extrusion trials, and conducting detailed quality tests so that products are ready for successful scale-up into production.

Responsibilities

• Provide powder coating samples that meet specific customer requirements and performance targets.
• Formulate samples using standard formulations and established procedures.
• Perform precise color matching, including making color corrections and adjustments to achieve approved standards.
• Ensure each product meets required specifications by understanding approved pigment selections and how they relate to the underlying technology and customer targets.
• Evaluate computer-generated color and quality readings and make necessary formulation or process adjustments.
• Perform a variety of tests in the R&D lab and Pilot Plant, including gloss measurements, color measurements, film build checks, particle size analysis, and spray tests on samples.
• Clean lab equipment thoroughly between runs to prevent contamination from one lab run to another.
• Prepare samples and set up bonding mixers to run bonding trials for powder coatings.
• Operate equipment for extrusion, grinding, and spraying of test samples as part of the development process.
• Monitor lab runs closely for quality and consistency, documenting observations as needed.
• Test lab samples for density, gloss under light, and color before approving them for release to production.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists, lab technicians, and technical product specialists to support ongoing projects and continuous improvement.
• Follow lab safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a closely related field.
• 0-2 years of work experience in a laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience or coursework related to chemistry and laboratory techniques.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on lab setting.
• Strong attention to detail when performing tests, recording data, and evaluating results.
• Ability to follow directions carefully and apply feedback to improve work quality.
• Comfort working collaboratively with a team on projects and shared lab responsibilities.
• Basic understanding of color matching concepts and laboratory measurements.
• Ability to perform density testing and interpret results.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with color matching or color measurement in a lab or production environment.
• Familiarity with powder coating formulations or coatings chemistry.
• Experience using lab instruments such as gloss meters, color meters, and particle size analyzers.
• Exposure to extrusion, grinding, or spray application processes in a lab or pilot setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adjust formulations based on test data.
• Interest in working with advanced powder-coating technology used in automotive, architectural, and other high-impact industries.
• Motivation to grow within a lab-focused, innovation-driven manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

You will work in a newly built, state-of-the-art R&D lab that has recently received significant investment and serves as a major growth driver for the company. The lab houses around 10 or more team members, including formulation scientists, lab technicians, and technical product specialists, creating a collaborative environment focused on innovation and quality. The facility features advanced powder-coating and testing equipment, very clean lab conditions, and a strong emphasis on maintaining contamination-free processes. Typical hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., providing a structured daytime schedule. The workplace offers a kitchen with free fresh fruit and coffee daily, along with additional benefits such as annual gym reimbursement, a safety allowance, and profit sharing after a period of service. The culture blends the stability of a global operation with the feel of a hands-on, innovative manufacturing environment, emphasizing quality, teamwork, and long-term career growth.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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 Saint Charles,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 3, 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 ... 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.