Lab Technician

Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Quality Control Laboratory Technician to support quality and food safety programs in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role combines hands-on laboratory testing with production floor quality inspections to ensure products meet established specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. The position is split approximately 70% laboratory testing and 30% manufacturing floor inspections and audits, with weekly station rotations between lab and production quality responsibilities.
### Key Responsibilities

#### Laboratory Testing & Quality Analysis
Perform sensory, physical, and chemical testing on finished products to verify compliance with specifications. Conduct wet chemistry and analytical testing including: pH Viscosity Salt analysis Moisture testing Surface color evaluation Bicarbonate testing Displacement testing UV-Vis analysis HPLC testing Antioxidant testing Fat analysis utilizing CEM Rapid Analyzer Protein analysis (Kjeldahl) Microbiological testing Record and maintain test results within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Review and evaluate Bills of Material (BOMs) for completeness and accuracy. Assist with raw material testing, Certificate of Analysis (COA) review, and document management. Participate in internal proficiency testing and external check-sample programs to verify laboratory accuracy and consistency. Investigate and document product non-conformances and initiate corrective actions as required.
#### Production Floor Quality Assurance
Perform routine inspections of manufacturing, storage, and sanitation equipment. Conduct GMP, food safety, and procedural compliance audits throughout the facility. Verify product labels, packaging configurations, and finished product specifications prior to release. Inspect finished product packaging to ensure accuracy and compliance with customer requirements. Approve and apply final product wrapping using automated packaging equipment. Partner with production teams to ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
#### Compliance & Safety
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and company food safety programs. Use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and maintain a safe work environment. Support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, food safety, and operational excellence. Perform additional duties as assigned.
### Qualifications

#### Required
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline OR Bachelor's degree with at least 6 months of laboratory or food industry experience OR Associate degree with 2+ years of quality, laboratory, or food manufacturing experience.
#### Preferred
Experience performing laboratory testing in a food, beverage, ingredient, chemical, or manufacturing environment. Exposure to wet chemistry techniques and analytical instrumentation. Experience with LIMS, GMPs, GLPs, HACCP, or food safety systems.
### Skills & Competencies
Strong laboratory and analytical testing skills Knowledge of chemistry, food science, or biological sciences Attention to detail and accurate documentation practices Ability to identify quality issues and implement corrective actions Strong organizational and time-management skills Effective verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a manufacturing environment Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Oak Lawn, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/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 Oak Lawn, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Oak Lawn,IL. 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.