Calibration Technician (Analytical)

Job Description

Job Title : Calibration Technician (Pharmaceutical Instruments)

Location : North Chicago, IL

Hire Type : Long-term Contract, Onsite

Pay Range : $30-35 / hour (W2, with full employee benefits)

Overview :

Sterling has helped build careers for thousands of professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.

As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Calibration Technician performs calibrations, verifications, and preventive maintenance on analytical instruments used to measure chemical, physical, and biological properties in pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device environments. Typical equipment includes HPLCs, GCs, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, TOC analyzers, dissolution systems, and other regulated laboratory instrumentation. The technician ensures that instruments operate within manufacturer specifications and industry standards while maintaining compliance with GMP, GLP, and FDA / ISO requirements.

To succeed, the position requires strong technical expertise, the ability to interface with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and third-party service providers, and comfort working in regulated laboratory and plant environments. Excellent communication and documentation skills are required to support compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Perform routine and non-routine calibrations, qualifications, and verifications on analytical laboratory instruments.

Troubleshoot and identify root causes of instrument performance issues; escalate to vendors or engineers when required.

Maintain calibration records, calibration certificates, and audit-ready documentation in accordance with GMP / GLP and ISO 17025 standards.

Quantify measurement uncertainty and verify results against tolerance limits and traceability requirements.

Support laboratory staff with technical guidance on instrument operation, calibration schedules, and compliance-related questions.

Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to schedule service, repairs, or requalification activities.

Assist in developing and revising calibration procedures, SOPs, and work instructions.

Ensure all work complies with FDA, ISO, and internal quality system requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering, or technical discipline strongly preferred.

2+ years of calibration, metrology, or analytical laboratory experience in a regulated environment (pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device preferred).

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Meet Your Recruiter

Mike Schmitz

Technical Recruiter

If you're a skilled professional in engineering, manufacturing, or life sciences and you're exploring your next career move-I'm here to help.

I'm a Senior Technical Recruiter and Team Leader who's passionate about connecting great people with great companies. I specialize in placing candidates in roles within product, equipment, food / beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and I work closely with some of the most respected employers in the industry.

My approach is consultative, transparent, and relationship-driven. I'll take the time to understand your goals, skills, and preferences-and then help you navigate the search process with confidence. From resume tips and interview prep to timely feedback and honest communication, my goal is to make your job search feel less stressful and more strategic.

I've worked with professionals at all levels-from early career to senior leadership-and I'm always looking to expand my network of talented candidates. Whether you're actively on the market or just curious about what's out there, I'd love to connect.

• mschmitz@sterling-engineering.com
• Connect on LinkedIn

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you've got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now.