Laboratory Specialist - Northbrook, IL

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking talented candidates for an experienced Laboratory Specialist at its corporate headquarters in Northbrook, IL. WJE employs extraordinary people - talented individuals of outstanding character with a willingness to excel as members of the WJE team. If you believe you fit this profile and meet the qualifications detailed below, we want to hear from you!
The Laboratory Specialist works as a team member within our diverse and growing Laboratory and Testing practice at the Janney Technical Center. The individual works primarily in the laboratory maintaining and managing analytical chemistry and microscopy equipment, other testing equipment, and related laboratory facilities. As part of WJE's problem-solving practice, additional activities could include preparing physical samples, performing routine tests, installing electronic instrumentation, assembling structural load tests, and using non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment. This person works under the general supervision of a Unit Manager or Project Manager but completes routine maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, some testing, and field assignments independently.
Essential Functions:

• Maintain and calibrate laboratory and field-testing equipment.
• Troubleshoot problems with laboratory equipment.
• Perform routine and specialized tests in the laboratory and field with minimal supervision.
• Play an active role in the quality assurance program.
• Act as a critical contributor to laboratory organization and cleanliness including development of processes or systems to provide ongoing improvement.
• Work as part of a collaborative team of technicians, scientists, and engineers to achieve project and unit goals

Requirements:

• Ten years of relevant work experience with a high school diploma and/or a combination of relevant college-level coursework and training
• Experience in working with laboratory equipment, testing procedures, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems
• Ability to perform troubleshooting and maintenance on a variety of complex laboratory equipment including electron microscope, mass spectrometers, analytical x-ray equipment, hydraulics, and others
• Developed understanding with the ability to follow instructions for routine and complex tests
• Ability to perform routine tasks with little or no directionand to perform tasks after verbal and written instruction
• Detail-oriented with effective written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of MS Office computer programs and experience with coding in LabVIEW or other programming languages a plus
• Self-motivated and interested in learning new skills including testing equipment, software programs, and electronic instrumentation systems.
• Most work will be completed in WJE's Janney Technical Center, though some travel to support field assignments may be required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to operate office and field equipment such as computers, printers, fax, copiers, telephones, voice mail systems, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:

• Ability to attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors
• Ability to read construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials, and computer screens
• Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.
• Ability to travel
• Ability to safely work at heights
• Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment
• Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and construction hazards
• Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations
• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
• Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

Annual starting base salary (gross): $68,400 - $88,600. Actual salaries will vary and will be based on several factors including consideration for a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role. Base salary is one component of our total compensation package for employees. WJE offers an industry-leading total rewards package that enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including robust and affordable health plans, generous 401(k) matching and bonus programs, time off to care for yourself and others, and investments in employees' professional development, to name a few. More information on WJE's total rewards package can be found here.
WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities, minorities, women, and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).
WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)