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Lab Technician

Ecolab · Joliet, IL · $45,700–$68,600 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you helped develop or adjust a product formulation.

What they are checking: Whether they can contribute to development work, not just run routine tests.

Tell me about a time you found a way to improve a lab process.

What they are checking: Whether they think about how work could be done better and actually share those ideas.

What would you do

A result comes back right on the edge of the specification. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they reexamine borderline results properly instead of passing or failing a batch without checking.

You have three projects due the same week and a fourth gets added. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize and communicate early when deadlines collide.

You realize you made a mistake in a report that was already submitted. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will correct errors openly, which is essential under GMP and regulatory rules.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd decide whether to approve, hold or reject a batch based on your lab results.

What they are checking: Whether they compare results to specifications carefully and understand the weight of a release decision.

What do GMP data reporting rules mean for how you record your work every day?

What they are checking: Whether they understand data integrity, like recording in real time and never overwriting raw data.

What lab instruments have you used, and how did you make sure they were working correctly before running samples?

What they are checking: Whether they check calibration and system suitability as a habit before trusting results.

How would you set up a field test of a product so the results are meaningful?

What they are checking: Whether they understand basic experimental design, like controls and repeatable conditions.

What's the difference between a biological and a chemical analysis in terms of how you handle samples?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that biological work needs aseptic technique and timing that chemical work may not.

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The full job description

As published by Ecolab.

Want to build a brighter, bolder future and cultivate your career? Join Ecolab’s team and help create a world in which we all thrive. Ecolab is seeking a Lab Technician to join our team in Joliet, IL. As a Lab Technician, y ou’ll perform biological and chemical analyses, support formulation development, and contribute to continuous improvement by evaluating processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards . How Y ou’ll M ake an I mpact: • Assist in development of formulations for a variety of applications • Responsible for all steps of routine experimentation including sample prep, equipment orientation, instrument control, data processing, and analysis • Conduct product performance and field testing • Approve, hold, and/or reject products based on laboratory analysis versus specifications • Ensure compliance to current regulatory requirements, following GMP guidelines for data reporting, and preparation of validation protocols, raw data generation, and final reports • Conduct reexamination of borderline results, research technical literature , and communicate opportunities for process improvements • Multi-task between many projects to ensure the various completion deadlines are met • Recommend testing parameters, complete experiments and project work as assigned • Provide analytical and technical support for quality related product investigations • Complete data reviews for out-of-specification test results issuing SPC charts of historical results • Optimize and recommend lab improvements to support 5S initiatives • Other duties as assigned Position Details: • Plant Location:   Joliet, IL • Work Week & Shift:  Nights, 12-hour Shifts, 6pm-6am. Rotating as follows: Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Saturday-Sunday, Wednesday-Thursday. What ’ s U nique A bout T his R ole: • The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives and ideas to achieve our best • Be part of a company that values a culture of safety that includes top-notch safety training and personal protective equipment Minimum Qualifications: • 2-year technical degree • Experience working in a lab environment • Experience working with statistical software • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite • Immigration sponsorship is not offered for this role Preferred Qualifications: • Strong background in scientific skills and lab analysis • Experience with laboratory safety procedures/regulations • Strong verbal and written communication skills What’s in it F or Y ou: • Starting on Day 1 : Access to our comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, matching 401K, company-paid pension, stock purchase plan, paid parental leave, select discounted childcare resources, and more! • The opportunity to take on some of the world’s most meaningful challenges, helping customers achieve clean water, safe food, and healthy environments • The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth • The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives, and ideas to achieve our best About Ecolab: At Ecolab, we prioritize our talent-first philosophy by creating the most capable and diverse team to excel at our nearly three million customer sites. Building on a century of innovation, our 48,000 associates help deliver comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world. Our solutions not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainability and public health, making a positive impact on the world. We are committed to eliminating unnecessary complexities and embracing a beginner's mindset, continuously seeking new perspectives and innovative solutions to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Annual or Hourly Compensation Range The pay range for this position is $45,700.00 - $68,600.00. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws. Benefits Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits. If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here. Potential Customer Requirements Notice To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to: - Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.

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