Laboratory Operations Technician

Laboratory Operations Technician
Location: Richmond, CA (Onsite)
Duration: 6+ months (Possibility to Extension)
Rate: $22- $26 per hour

Position Overview
We are seeking a Laboratory Operations Technician to support experimental testing of catalysts and hydrocarbon feedstocks in a controlled laboratory environment. This role is hands‑on and safety‑focused, supporting research engineers, chemists, and operations team members in the setup, execution, monitoring, and documentation of laboratory experiments conducted at elevated temperatures and pressures.
The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical aptitude, laboratory experience, and a demonstrated commitment to operational excellence and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory testing of catalysts and hydrocarbon feedstocks under the direction of senior team members and research staff
• Source, size, and prepare catalysts for experimental testing
• Load, assemble, and install reactors and testing units
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to obtain and prepare test feedstocks
• Start up and operate testing units, maintaining safe and stable conditions throughout experiments
• Monitor experiments, adjust operating conditions as needed, and troubleshoot operational issues
• Support testing systems operating at elevated temperatures (up to ~500°F) and pressures (up to ~1000 psig)
• Collect, sample, manage, and prepare daily run products for analytical testing
• Collect, organize, review, and enter process and analytical data into laboratory database systems
• Support other laboratory and operations team members with unit operations or in‑house analysis as needed
• Handle chemicals, including potentially toxic substances, in compliance with safety protocols
• Maintain accurate documentation of work processes and experimental results to support intellectual property protection
• Adhere to laboratory safety standards, operational excellence expectations, and project delivery metrics

Required Qualifications

• Hands‑on laboratory experience, including safe handling of chemicals, glassware, and test equipment
• Mechanical aptitude, including assembling simple piping and laboratory equipment
• Experience operating laboratory or pilot‑scale testing systems, including basic maintenance and troubleshooting
• Demonstrated commitment to safe laboratory practices and teamwork
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating laboratory or testing units at elevated temperatures and pressures
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Experience working in regulated or process‑driven laboratory environments

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.