Lab Technician

Lab Technician

This Lab Technician role focuses on processing and analyzing oil, fuel, and coolant samples to support predictive maintenance of heavy equipment. You will work in a high-volume, industrial laboratory, using a range of analytical instruments and following strict standard operating procedures to deliver accurate, timely results for internal and external clients. The position offers comprehensive cross-training on multiple lab stations and clear pathways for career growth within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, process, and handle laboratory samples accurately and efficiently.
• Dilute samples for ICP analysis, perform visual checks, and program the ICP computer to run tests.
• Run samples on FTIR instruments, select appropriate reference oils, and ensure proper transfer of data to the computer system.
• Complete detailed visual notes and observations on coolant, fuel, and oil samples.
• Assist with running daily verification samples to ensure instrument accuracy and data reliability.
• Handle rush samples by re-prioritizing workload to meet client deadlines without compromising quality.
• Maintain laboratory equipment in good working condition by following cleaning, calibration, and basic maintenance procedures.
• Walk to various parts of the facility to pick up samples from the production area as needed.
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), lab guidelines, and client specifications for testing and reporting.
• Record data accurately, maintain clear and complete lab notes, and support quality control and quality assurance processes.
• Work collaboratively with the lab team to prioritize and re-prioritize tasks throughout the day to meet sample deadlines.
• Participate in cross-training on all lab stations, including ICP, IR, gas chromatography (GC), viscosity, particle count, and sample sorting and preparation.
• Contribute to a deadline-driven, production-oriented environment by managing multiple tasks and maintaining productivity.
• Receive and apply constructive performance feedback to improve skills and maintain high-quality work.

Essential Skills

• Experience in laboratory work, quality control, wet chemistry, and analytical testing of samples.
• Hands-on experience with sample preparation and processing in a lab environment.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) principles.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques and instruments such as ICP, IR, gas chromatography, and viscosity testing.
• Understanding of laboratory guidelines, client specifications, and the importance of accurate data analysis and record-keeping.
• Strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset to support continuous coordination with colleagues.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and adjust priorities quickly to meet deadlines.
• Comfort working on your feet for extended periods and moving between different areas of the facility.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in recording lab notes, observations, and test results.
• Willingness to work hard, learn new techniques, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to accept and apply constructive feedback to improve performance.
• Basic computer proficiency for data entry, instrument interfaces, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in biology is preferred.
• Prior job experience in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment (such as serving or bartending) where you managed multiple tasks, worked on your feet, and met time-sensitive demands.
• Interest in gaining hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation, including GC, IR, and ICP.
• Motivation to grow within the organization, with potential career paths into senior lab technician, project clerk, evaluator, or other internal roles.
• Adaptability and resilience in a repetitive, production-focused lab setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills to support continuous communication and collaboration within a small lab team.

Work Environment

You will work in a small lab team of fewer than ten people within an industrial laboratory setting. The environment is very production-focused and repetitive, with the team processing approximately 1,000 to 1,100 samples per day to meet strict client deadlines. The lab is not a glamorous research environment; it is highly practical and industrial, supporting predictive maintenance of heavy equipment.

Team members communicate frequently throughout the day to re-prioritize work, divide duties, and ensure the lab closes on time.

You may need to enter the production area to pick up samples; this area is very busy and noisy, which can be overwhelming for some individuals. The standard shift is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with training conducted on the same schedule. During rotations at the ICP station (typically one week every five weeks), the shift changes to Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No overtime is expected…