R&D Technician/Scientist (Mandarin Exp Required)

R&D Lab Technician/Scientist (Mandarin Speaking Required)

Long-term Growth| Contract-to-hire | Offers Benefits

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated R&D Lab Technician/Scientist to join our team in a specialized solar materials laboratory. The role involves preparing and testing adhesive, sealant, film, and encapsulant materials for solar applications. You will support product development, conduct analytical and physical testing, and assist in technology transfer from our Chinese partners. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to innovative solar technology.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and test adhesive, sealant, film, and encapsulant materials used in solar applications.

• Produce small-scale laminate samples for product development and validation.

• Support the progression from small laboratory samples to larger-scale laminate and solar panel test assemblies.

• Operate pilot-scale extrusion and lamination equipment.

• Perform analytical, optical, electrical, and physical testing on materials and finished samples.

• Monitor test results for trends, abnormalities, or unexpected behavior and escalate observations to the development team.

• Support accelerated weathering and environmental testing to understand long-term material and performance characteristics.

• Assist with testing material substitutions for U.S. manufacturing.

• Learn and perform various analytical and physical testing techniques such as TGA, DSC, UV-Vis, and more.

• Troubleshoot equipment issues and assist in bringing relocated equipment into full working condition.

• Participate in technical discussions with Mandarin-speaking partners and support technology transfer.

• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment.

Requirements

• Professional proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and English, with the ability to discuss technical information.

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical technology, engineering technology, or related discipline.

Work Environment

This position is based in a specialized solar materials laboratory in Maple Grove, MN. The laboratory includes extrusion equipment, laminators, and analytical instrumentation. The role involves hands-on sample preparation, glass cutting, and solvent-based testing. As part of a small team, you must be comfortable working independently while adhering to strong safety practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Maple Grove, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Maple Grove, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Maple Grove,MN.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.