Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lab Technician
Job Description

The Lab Technician plays a key role in preparing and compounding flavor samples, coordinating inventory, and supporting seamless collaboration across production, quality control, research and development, and shipping. This position supports both internal teams and external customers by ensuring accurate sample preparation, maintaining organized lab operations, and upholding high standards of safety and quality in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and compound flavor samples for internal teams and external customers, following established formulas and procedures.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as spray dryers, homogenizers, mixers, and extractors in a safe and efficient manner.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date inventory records for raw materials and finished samples.
• Proactively identify and resolve backorders to ensure timely fulfillment of sample and production needs.
• Collaborate closely with Flavorists to refine formulas and support product development projects.
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure consistent performance and product quality.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory workspace in line with good lab practices.
• Monitor raw material stock levels and coordinate replenishment activities with the Procurement team.
• Document batch records thoroughly and ensure the security and confidentiality of formulas.
• Coordinate with quality, R&D, production, and other departments to support efficient workflow and sample turnaround.
• Contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the lab.

• 1–3 years of compounding laboratory experience, preferably in flavors or food-related applications.
• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to operate lab equipment such as spray dryers, homogenizers, mixers, and extractors.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate across multiple teams.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Solid math and reasoning skills for measurements, calculations, and formulation work.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and adherence to good laboratory practices.

• A degree in a related scientific field is preferred; however, relevant experience is prioritized.
• Experience working in a flavors, food, or related manufacturing laboratory environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including quality, R&D, production, and shipping.
• Comfort working in a high-throughput environment where multiple batches are processed each shift.
• Interest in career growth and development into higher-level technical or specialized roles.

This is a first-shift, on-site laboratory role with a typical Monday–Friday schedule and a 7:00–7:30 a.m. start time. The environment is fast paced, with the Back Order Lab coordinating closely with quality, R&D, production, and other departments, producing approximately 60 batches per shift. The facility is modern, visually appealing, and well maintained, reflecting an up-to-date and professional laboratory setting. The organization fosters a fun and inclusive culture with direct training and clear opportunities for career advancement into higher-level roles. The team supports products for well-known consumer brands, offering exposure to recognizable flavor and beverage applications. Summer hours provide early Friday departures, with longer days Monday through Thursday and Fridays ending at noon, supporting work–life balance while maintaining operational efficiency.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Northbrook,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 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 View email address on ziprecruiter.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.