Laboratory Technician - Lubricants & Industrial Consumables

About the role

A leading manufacturer in the industrial lubricants and industrial consumables sector, recruited through Summit Recruitment & Search, is looking for a Laboratory Technician in Nairobi. The role involves routine physical and chemical testing of raw materials, base oils, additives and finished lubricants to ensure compliance with quality standards, using ASTM methods and ISO/IEC 17025.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct routine physical and chemical testing of lubricants (engine oils, gear oils, hydraulic fluids) in line with ASTM standards.
• Determine viscosity, flash point, pour point, density, moisture content, TBN and TAN.
• Inspect and test incoming raw materials, base oils, additives and packaging against approved specifications.
• Maintain laboratory records, document test results and prepare quality control reports supporting batch approval.
• Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, laboratory safety and QA requirements.
• Calibrate, maintain and check laboratory equipment regularly.
• Report out-of-specification results, take part in QC checks and keep the lab clean and safe.

Required profile

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry or a related field.
• 3-5 years of hands-on laboratory testing experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Experience in a lubricants blending plant, petroleum testing facility or petrochemical laboratory is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and strong attention to detail.

Required skills

• Strong practical knowledge of ASTM testing methods and lubricant analysis equipment.
• Proficiency in laboratory documentation and computerized systems such as LIMS, SAP Business One or Zoho.