Lab Operations Technician

Lab and Production Technician

This role supports both laboratory and production operations focused on innovative, more sustainable alternatives to traditional brick and cement materials. The Lab and Production Technician prepares and processes raw materials, executes lab-scale experiments, and maintains equipment and workspaces to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations. This position plays a hands-on role in material preparation, mixing, casting, and testing support, contributing directly to the development of solutions that help reduce global carbon emissions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare aggregates by sieving, drying, weighing, and handling raw materials according to established procedures.
• Accurately weigh aggregates and other mix components to prepare batches that meet specified formulations.
• Operate mixing equipment and presses to blend materials and prepare molds, ensuring consistent and thorough mixing.
• Cast materials into molds with precision, following defined casting protocols and curing requirements.
• Clean and maintain tools, equipment, and workspaces regularly to support safe and efficient operations.
• Prepare chemical solutions by weighing and mixing components in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Execute experiments by delivering solutions to lab-scale units, monitoring experiment status using probes and other instruments, and following SOPs to support reliable experiment execution.
• Operate equipment for washing, rinsing, and drying samples to ensure proper sample preparation for testing.
• Organize, label, and deliver units and samples for testing, ensuring accurate identification and traceability.
• Perform saw-cutting and mold-making for small applications as needed to support testing and production activities.
• Handle raw materials safely, including lifting, moving, and storing materials using proper material handling techniques.
• Support both lab and production teams with general labor and production tasks as assigned.
• Follow lab safety procedures, including correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols.
• Comply with quality control standards by ensuring proper labeling, documentation, and handling of samples and materials.
• Conduct routine checks and basic maintenance on lab and production equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Communicate clearly with engineers and lab members about results, issues, and any process changes or observations.
• Troubleshoot basic equipment or process issues and escalate more complex problems appropriately.
• Adapt to changes in materials, equipment, or procedures as development and production needs evolve.

Essential Skills

• General labor or production experience with comfort in hands-on, physical work.
• Experience in general production, support, or material handling roles.
• Strong attention to detail for accurate measurements, labeling, and documentation.
• Effective time management skills to handle multiple tasks and prioritize work efficiently.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills for reporting results, issues, and process changes.
• Proper handling of raw materials, including safe lifting and storage techniques.
• Proficiency in using scales and precision instruments, with an understanding of measurement units and conversions.
• Experience with mixers and presses, including knowledge of material proportions and mixing protocols.
• Understanding of sieving, particle size analysis, and drying processes.
• Skill in preparing molds and casting materials accurately and consistently.
• Ability to clean and maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in compliance with safety protocols.
• Familiarity with feeding operations such as hand feeding, soaking, and pressure feeding methods.
• Experience using rinsing and drying equipment to prepare samples properly.
• Proficiency in basic saw-cutting and constructing molds for small applications.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and consistent use of PPE.
• Familiarity with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and proper handling of hazardous materials.
• Understanding of quality control practices and proper labeling of samples.
• Ability to safely operate lab equipment and perform routine maintenance checks.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot equipment or process issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineers and lab team members.
• Adaptability to changes in materials, equipment, or procedures in a dynamic environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Laboratory experience or exposure, particularly in materials or concrete labs, is highly beneficial.
• Experience in the concrete industry or construction-related environments is a plus.
• ACI Concrete Laboratory Technician certification at any level is a plus.
• Experience with general construction or concrete work is advantageous.
• Interest in sustainable materials and environmentally focused production is beneficial.

Work Environment

The role operates in a mixed lab and production environment that includes both indoor laboratory spaces and indoor/outdoor material handling areas. You will support lab activities such as solution preparation, experiments, and sample processing, as well as production tasks including mixing, casting, and general material handling. Work involves standing for extended periods, performing hands-on tasks with equipment such as mixers, presses, saws, and rinsing/drying systems, and handling raw materials including aggregates and concrete-related components. The environment follows strict lab safety and quality protocols, with required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to MSDS guidelines and safe handling of hazardous materials. Collaboration with engineers and lab team members is frequent, and the pace can be active and production-oriented as projects progress from lab-scale experiments to production support.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Durham, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/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 Durham, NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.