Laboratory Technician in Oakland, California at Lilac Solutions, Inc.

About Lilac Solutions, Inc.

Lilac exists to solve one problem: lithium supply. By engineering scalable lithium extraction technology, we help industries produce lithium faster, cheaper, and cleaner. Our ion exchange technology is rooted in scientific precision and commercial know-how, making lithium supply a non-issue for global electrification. Our materials, engineering, and approach uniquely position us to design and develop commercial projects across various lithium sources. We help lithium producers rapidly and responsibly scale production from brine resources with versatile, cost-effective, and dynamic technology solutions.

Lilac is supported by the largest players from the mining and processing industry, as well as significant investment funds. Lilac investors include BMW, SK, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mercuria, Lower Carbon Capital, and MIT’s The Engine.

About the role

Lilac is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support daily laboratory operations by maintaining a clean and compliant laboratory environment, managing chemical inventory, and performing routine analytical testing on process streams. This role plays a key part in ensuring data quality, equipment reliability, and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. The technician will routinely operate and maintain analytical instrumentation, including ICP-OES, and contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory practices.

What you'll do

Laboratory Operations & Housekeeping

• Clean, dry, and properly store laboratory glassware and equipment according to established SOPs
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization in compliance with safety and quality standards
• Manage laboratory waste streams, including proper labeling, storage, and disposal

Chemical Inventory & Safety

• Maintain accurate chemical inventory records, including receiving, labeling, and tracking reagents and standards
• Monitor chemical stock levels and communicate reorder needs
• Ensure chemicals are stored in accordance with compatibility, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols and actively participate in safety training

Analytical Testing & Sample Handling

• Perform routine chemical analyses on process and quality-control samples following validated methods
• Prepare samples, reagents, standards, and calibration solutions with attention to traceability and accuracy
• Accurately record data in laboratory notebooks and controlled datasheets
• Review data for completeness, trends, and basic quality indicators

Instrument Operation & Maintenance

• Operate and support routine analysis using ICP-OES, including startup, calibration, analysis, and shutdown
• Perform routine instrument maintenance, performance checks, and basic troubleshooting
• Assist with instrument qualification, method verification, and ongoing performance monitoring

Quality System & Compliance (ISO/IEC 17025)

• Follow documented SOPs, test methods, and quality procedures
• Maintain controlled records in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements
• Support internal audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities
• Report deviations, nonconformances, and equipment issues promptly

Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
• Hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industrial)
• Familiarity with wet chemistry techniques and basic analytical instrumentation
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures
• Basic computer skills (Excel, data entry systems)
• Frequently stand for up to 8 hours per day
• Perform repetitive manual laboratory tasks
• Frequently lift and carry lab materials and chemical containers up to 25 lbs, occasionally lift up to 50lbs
• Pass a respirator fit test periodically, and wear required PPE, including gloves, safety glasses, lab coat and respirator.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an ISO 17025–accredited laboratory
• Direct experience operating ICP-OES or similar elemental analysis techniques
• Experience with process stream analysis or industrial laboratory environments
• Understanding of quality control concepts (calibration, blanks, standards, QA checks)

Benefits & Compensation

• $33 - $44/hour, eligible for overtime

• Stock options

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance

• 401k with pre- and post-tax investing options

• Flexible spendings account/Health savings account

• Group and term life insurance

• Flexible paid time off policy

• Paid sick leave

• Eight weeks of paid parental leave

• Commuter benefits (some locations)
• Lunches provided

• Employee assistance program

• Monthly phone stipend

The salary range listed reflects our good-faith estimate of the compensation for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined by a number of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant skills, experience, and geographic location.

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters:

At this time, we are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. Resumes sent without prior arrangement will be considered the property of Lilac Solutions, and no fees will be paid if we hire a candidate whose resume was submitted unsolicited.

EEO Statement

Lilac Solutions is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment, including discrimination and harassment based on a protected category, and an environment free from retaliation for participating in any protected activity. Lilac Solutions is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.