Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician
Chillicothe, IL (onsite)
24 months contract

Job Description
Position Summary:
Client is seeking a hands-on and detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join our Rubber Components Testing Lab in Chillicothe, IL. This role is critical in supporting the testing and development of rubber and non-metallic components used in Client equipment. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical aptitude, lab experience, and a passion for quality and precision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up and run physical tests on rubber components using lab equipment (e.g., CS benches, Instron machines)
• Monitor tests, take measurements and pictures, and document results
• Tear down test setups and perform final measurements
• Troubleshoot lab equipment and coordinate with lab manager or suppliers for repairs
• Follow and update standard work procedures with a strong focus on safety
• Operate forklifts and pallet jacks to move heavy components and test setups
• Use precision tools like micrometers and calipers, and understand load cell adjustments

Required Qualifications:
Education:

• Associate’s degree in Engineering (preferred)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering also accepted
• High school diploma alone is not accepted

Experience:

• 3–5 years of relevant experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree
• Hands-on lab experience is essential
• Experience with rubber components is a strong plus
• Familiarity with MTS and Instron test benches is beneficial but not mandatory

Skills:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of engineering principles
• Experience with lab equipment and mechanical testing
• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of urgency
• Forklift operation experience is a plus (used for quality-related tasks, not warehouse operations)

Position’s Contributions to Work Group:
- Develop, execute, and document the testing of rubber material and rubber components for the Client engineering team.

Why Client ? “Whether it be ground-breaking products, best in class solutions or a lifelong career, you can build what matters to you at Client. With 150 locations in countries around the world, what you create at Client travels and helps people around the world. You can collaborate with the best minds in the industry, complete meaningful work and continuously grow and develop through our various opportunities. Here, you can do the work that matters.”

Why this Role?
- Develop engineering expertise in rubber components and components. Manage a world class lab with unique test equipment ensuring maximum uptime and quality test results to meet Client objectives.

Typical task breakdown:
- This position is a new role in the Rubber Component Testing Lab that is responsible for testing of critical rubber components.
- Assemble, tear down and operate a variety of test benches and fixtures.
- Take precision measurements with a variety of measurement tools.
- Perform basic troubleshooting.
- Respond to and resolve any equipment issues that are impacting data quality.
- Follow documented procedures standard work to perform safe and defect free assembly.
- Recommend any improvement that can be made for tooling cost reduction, improve equipment up time, or improve efficiency.
- Document and start tests on materials provided.
- Daily checks: oven temps, temp/humidity check of lab, test equipment logs, ongoing tests.
- Stay up to date on all standard work procedures for the lab.
- Maintain safety and cleanliness of the lab.
- Support other labs within Non-Metallics team as necessary

Interaction with team:
- Understand materials and test requirements
- Provide team with updates, final results

Work environment:
- 90% Lab & 10% office environment
- Steel toe with metatarsal guards required

(Desired)
- MTS and Instron bench programming
- Calibration and maintenance of test instruments

Disqualifiers/Red Flags:
- Short term job history