Laboratory Technician

Michigan, United States of America

Job Family Group:

Production and Manufacturing Downstream

Worker Type:

Regular

Posting Start Date:

September 10, 2026

Business Unit:

Experience Level:

Experienced Professionals

Job Description:

What's the Role?

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for providing quality assurance by testing samples against established specifications and supplying customers with accurate, measured, and interpreted results. The role also involves performing routine maintenance and providing occasional repair and troubleshooting support for laboratory equipment.

The Laboratory Technician ensures that products manufactured and distributed by Shell within the envelope conform to Shell internal standards, customer requirements, and legislative regulations through strict adherence to standard quality control testing procedures.

As part of the Shell Lubricants Supply Chain team, the Laboratory Technician contributes to improving the efficiency and reliability of lubricants manufacturing, helping to enhance overall financial performance through the application of quality assurance methodologies.

The role supports Shell's lubricants business through laboratory-based testing of lubricating oils and, when required, provides product development, trialing, and investigative services to various Shell business sectors.

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for:

• Prioritizing the safety of themselves and their coworkers above all else.

• Performing quality control testing to ensure products conform to specifications prior to release, including:

  1.    Blend oil sample testing
  2.    Package filling sample testing
  3.    Bulk truck/rail shipping sample testing
  4.    Bulk truck/rail receiving sample testing
  5.    Tank-to-tank transfer sample testing

• Using SAP and other computerized systems to support daily operational activities and transactions.

• Recommending updates or changes to existing formulations to optimize blend properties, where applicable.

• Performing Blend Formulation and Laboratory functions within the SAP R/3 system.

• Conducting trial blends of new and modified products to develop updated formulations that meet LQS standards, when requested.

• Ensuring all lubricant oil and grease formulations remain strictly confidential.

• Determining corrective actions for off-specification products, including up-treating, reblending, or other disposition methods, while optimizing costs and ensuring compliance with product requirements.

• Testing, assessing, and recommending corrective actions for non-conforming products in coordination with the Quality Manager.

• Conducting validation and calibration of laboratory equipment to ensure accurate testing results.

• Monitoring Statistical Process Control (SPC) data for selected lubricant products to maintain LQS reduced-testing requirements.

• Assisting the Quality Manager and Regional Area Product Manager with the development and implementation of site and regional quality initiatives and programs.

• Troubleshooting laboratory equipment issues and test method problems.

• Following all HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental) guidelines in the performance of duties and responsibilities.

What we need from you

• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring visa sponsorship.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Relevant post-secondary education preferred.

• Relevant experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, quality, or related industrial environment preferred.

• Technical skills preferred, including experience with viscosity measurement, Total Acid Number (TAN), pH testing, particle count analysis, reserve alkalinity testing, general titration techniques, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma Analysis).

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

• Strong computer literacy and systems proficiency.

• Demonstrated willingness to learn and continuously develop technical skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities without compromising safety or quality standards.

• Strong sense of urgency and accountability.

• Ability to work effectively in a high-performance, team-based environment with a high degree of autonomous decision-making.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to learn, execute, and eventually develop procedures while ensuring compliance with established standards.

• Knowledge of ISO standards, processes, procedures, and quality management principles.

• Familiarity with laboratory equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

• Experience with SAP or similar enterprise systems is considered an asset.

• Willingness to work on a rotating shift schedule.

• Ability to serve as a member of an emergency response team.

• Using safe lifting techniques, must be able to lift and carry up to 20 kg from ground level to waist height.

• Ability to work safely while wearing a respirator or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

• Willingness to comply with Shell's drug-free and harassment-free workplace policies, as well as all safety policies and procedures.

• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, inclusive, and team-oriented environment.

***Please note that there is an Online Assessment which is required for this position. To be considered, you must complete the assessment and receive passing score, even if you have taken previous assessments. Please review your Workday tasks, directions and instructions to ensure you complete the required test within the provided timeframe***

The rate for this position is $25.50. Individual pay will be based on various factors, such as relevant work experience, education, certifications, skill level, and internal equity.

For regular full-time employees of the Company (participating companies as listed in the Summary Plan Description), insurance coverage options include medical, dental, vision coverage, life Insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs. Employees also participate in a company pension plan and a 401(k) plan. Paid leave includes up to 6 weeks of paid vacation time, up to 11 paid holidays, and parental leave offering 16 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents, and 8 weeks of paid leave for non-birthing parents.

Additionally, employees are eligible for short-term disability leave for up to 26 weeks at 100% or 50% of base pay as well as Long-Term Disability insurance. Shell also offers other compensation such financial reimbursement for adoption, wellness, education, and personal learning expenses, and some roles are eligible for discretionary long-term incentives. For interns, eligible benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs; participation in a 401(k) plan; and paid leave for up to 11 paid holidays. Additional information on Shell’s US benefit programs can be found at https://www.shell.us/careers/about-careers-at-shell/rewards-and-benefits.html.

You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet. You’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. You’ll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself.

• Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together

• Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead

• Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices

• Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise

• Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself

• Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working

• Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase – our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world

• Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents

• Join an organization working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply

• Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams

• Gain access to a wide range of training and development programs

We'd like you to know that Shell has a bold goal: to become one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive companies. You can get to know more about how we're working towards that goal, click here.

Shell in The United States

Shell has been in the US for more than 100 years, leading the sector in energy, petrochemicals and refined products. Today, we provide millions of Americans with the energy needed to heat and cool their homes and power the economy.

We operate in all 50 states, from our Deep-Water platforms in the Gulf of America to the Pennsylvania Chemicals complex and our miles of pipelines throughout the US.

We reach our customers through our 13,000 branded retail stations, and we are number 1 in gasoline sales. We also own the #1 brand of motor oil in the U.S. – Pennzoil® – made from natural gas.

We are excited to play a key role in the move to net carbon emissions while providing the oil and gas needed by society for many decades to come.

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DISCLAIMER:

Please note: We occasionally amend or withdraw Shell jobs and reserve the right to do so at any time, including prior to the advertised closing date. Before applying, you are advised to read our data protection policy. This policy describes the processing that may be associated with your personal data and informs you that your personal data may be transferred to Shell/Shell Group companies around the world. The Shell Group and its approved recruitment consultants will never ask you for a fee to process or consider your application for a career with Shell. Anyone who demands such a fee is not an authorised Shell representative and you are strongly advised to refuse any such demand. Shell participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws. Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability. As a US Federal Contractor, hiring selections are subject to periodic audit review and documentation of your selections should be maintained for a period of three calendar years. It is the policy of Shell in the U.S. (“Shell”) to provide equal opportunity to all individuals, employees and all qualified applicants for employment consistent with employment requirements and qualifications. Shell prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status under federal, state or local laws. All employees are expected to support this policy and contribute to an environment of equal opportunity. If you need an accommodation for a disability during the resourcing process, please speak with an HR representative.