Lab Technician

Job Title: Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician supports the food safety and quality programs by performing routine testing on raw materials and finished products in a food manufacturing environment. This role ensures that products meet internal quality requirements as well as customer, state, and federal standards while strictly following established laboratory procedures and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine chemical analyses on raw materials and finished products, including pH, moisture, salt, and fat content, in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all quality requirements related to certifications, customer specifications, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) at all times.
• Conduct product sampling, inspection, and testing to support the hold and release program and ensure only compliant product is released.
• Accurately enter test results and maintain detailed records and documentation as required by laboratory SOPs.
• Provide timely feedback to managers and production teams when quality discrepancies, violations, or other issues are identified so they can be resolved promptly.
• Support facility visits and audits by retrieving documentation, explaining test results, and demonstrating adherence to quality and laboratory procedures.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to maintain consistent product quality and address any recurring issues.
• Work independently to prioritize tasks, manage workload, and meet testing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a science discipline such as biology, chemistry, food science, or a related field, OR previous experience in food manufacturing.
• Basic laboratory skills, including performing pH, moisture, salt, and fat testing.
• Ability to follow SOPs, GMPs, and GLPs accurately and consistently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a laboratory setting.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, data entry, and record keeping.
• Experience or familiarity with quality control in a food manufacturing or food science environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in building a career in food quality, food science, or laboratory-based roles.
• Strong communication skills to provide clear feedback to production and quality teams.
• Comfort working in a food manufacturing environment and collaborating with production staff.
• Motivation to learn and develop technical laboratory skills in an entry-level friendly setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of ELGIN, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in ELGIN,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.