Lab Tech 2

Location :

Chicagoland/NW Indiana Duration :

6 months, possible extension

Shift Schedule:

12-hour rotating schedule (7 days on / 3 days off / 7 nights on / 4 days off)

Level II Pay Rate :

$50-58/hr Position Summary Seeking contract Laboratory Technicians to support refinery laboratory operations on a rotational 12-hour shift schedule. These roles are critical to maintaining continuous laboratory coverage, supporting refinery operations, and ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards during a defined contract period. Laboratory Technicians will be assigned to one or more specialty areas—including Data Control, Fuels, Knock Lab, Asphalt, or Analytical —based on skills, experience, and operational needs. Key Responsibilities Perform laboratory testing and analysis in accordance with established procedures and applicable ASTM methods Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and data integrity within laboratory systems Adhere to all safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements Support refinery operations by providing timely and reliable analytical results Participate in training and onboarding activities as required Work rotating 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays Role-Specific Responsibilities Data Control Program and manage samples in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Conduct appearance, haze, gravity, and pH testing Collect samples throughout the refinery Operate and drive the sample truck Knock Lab Operate Motor Octane Number (MON) and Research Octane Number (RON) engines Perform octane testing and document results Fuels Laboratory Perform testing including: Automated OptiPMD Microdistillation Automated D86 Distillation Reid Vapor Pressure Fast Simulated Distillation Existent Gum (Jet Evaporation) FTIR analysis of gasoline and diesel Copper corrosion (liquid petroleum products and LPG) Silver corrosion D525 and Rapid Oxidation Stability testing Automated Saybolt color determination Asphalt Laboratory Perform asphalt and binder testing including: PAV BBR Original, RTFO, and

PAV DSR RTFO

mass change Flash point (COC and PM) API gravity (D4) Penetration testing at 77°F Specific gravity, viscosity, cloud point, freeze point, pour point Brookfield viscosity at 135°C Operation of PAV ovens Analytical Laboratory Perform advanced analytical testing including: ASTM color Smoke point Flash point JFTOT Acid gas and mercaptans

MSEP LPG

residue

MCRT NACE

TAN and jet fuel acidity NIR analysis Bromine, amines Viscosity Water & sediment Ash Qualifications Previous experience in a refinery, petrochemical, or industrial laboratory environment preferred Knowledge of ASTM and laboratory testing standards Experience with LIMS systems (required for Data Control roles) Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety Valid driver's license required for sample collection roles Physical & Work Environment Requirements Ability to work in an industrial refinery environment Ability to stand for long periods and handle laboratory equipment Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times 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.