Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician Job Description The Lab Technician performs a wide range of sensory, physical, and chemical tests on finished products to ensure they meet established quality specifications. This role evaluates Bills of Material for completeness and proper documentation, records test data in a laboratory information management system, and supports both laboratory and production floor activities. The position combines hands-on wet chemistry testing with equipment inspections, procedural audits, and packaging verification to maintain high standards of product quality and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities + Perform sensory, physical, and chemical tests on finished products to verify they meet established specifications. + Evaluate Bills of Material (BOM) for completeness and proper documentation. + Record test data and maintain the laboratory work list in the LIMS system to ensure timely release of finished products. + Report nonconformances and document immediate corrective actions in the LIMS system. + Conduct required inspections of manufacturing equipment, storage equipment, and sanitation cleaning. + Participate in external check sample programs and internal proficiency programs to verify testing accuracy. + Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) at all times. + Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required for testing and inspections. + Assist with raw material testing, including review and filing of Certificates of Analysis (COA). + Inspect finished product packaging to ensure labels and configurations are correct prior to release. + Approve and apply final wrap using automated equipment. + Perform wet chemistry product testing, including salt, viscosity, bicarbonate, displacement, moisture, surface color, UV-Vis, HPLC, antioxidant testing, Fat CEM Rapid Analyzer, and micro testing such as Kjeldahl protein analysis. + Spend approximately 70% of time in the laboratory performing testing and 30% on the manufacturing and shipping floor conducting inspections and procedural audits. + Conduct floor audits to ensure adherence to GMPs and verify labels before products are shipped. + Rotate between laboratory and floor stations on a weekly schedule, typically two weeks in the lab and one week on the floor. + Communicate findings clearly with individuals and small groups, including reporting issues and collaborating on corrective actions. + Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall quality assurance and laboratory operations. Essential Skills + Bachelors degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific discipline, or a Bachelors degree with a minimum of 6 months of relevant experience in a laboratory or food company, or an Associates degree with 2 years of experience in a food processing company with exposure to quality assurance, control, or testing. + 612 months of experience in quality-focused work, preferably within a laboratory or manufacturing environment. + Hands-on wet chemistry experience, including work with viscosity, pH, moisture, and related tests. + Experience working in a laboratory setting, which may include academic laboratory experience. + Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos. + Ability to write clear, simple correspondence and testing documentation. + Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and small groups. + Ability to read, write, understand, and speak the English language. + Capability to perform product tasting as part of sensory evaluation. + Ability to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds as needed. + Ability to work flexibly on 2nd or 3rd shift and train on 1st shift. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience in food science, chemistry, microbiology, biology, or related scientific fields. + Experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly in food processing or production. + Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs). + Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and tracking. + Exposure to quality assurance, quality control, or product testing in a food company. + Comfort working with chemicals, solvents, and laboratory instrumentation such as UV-Vis, HPLC, Fat CEM Rapid Analyzer, and equipment used for micro testing including Kjeldahl protein analysis. + Strong attention to detail when evaluating BOMs, reviewing COAs, and inspecting labels and packaging configurations. + Ability to adjust to rotating station assignments between laboratory and production floor. + Interest in career growth opportunities, including potential movement to first shift or into research and development after gaining experience. + Ability to maintain focus and accuracy across a variety of tasks with low risk of visual or mental fatigue. Work Environment This role is offered as an indefinite contract position, with the potential for one opening to transition from temporary to permanent employment once headcount approval is received. The position operates primarily on 2nd or 3rd shift, with flexibility required to work either schedule based on future needs. Typical shift hours are Monday through Friday 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for 2nd shift, 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. for 3rd shift, and 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for 1st shift. Training is expected to take place on 1st shift for approximately the first two months. There is potential for one of the openings to move to 1st shift after training, and for long-term employees to transition to first shift or into research and development after about one year. The work environment includes both laboratory and production floor settings. In the laboratory, the technician is exposed to chemicals and solvents while performing product testing, with most tasks involving a low level of physical activity. On the floor, the technician performs inspections and audits, occasionally lifting or handling materials up to 50 pounds. The role requires frequent talking, hearing, tasting, and smelling as part of sensory evaluation, as well as occasional walking, handling materials, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Specific vision abilities needed include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level is usually moderate, and there may be occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles. Personal Protective Equipment is used as necessary to ensure safety. The position offers holiday pay, a shift differential of 7.5% upon permanent hire, and opportunities for growth, including potential movement to first shift and advancement into research and development. Dress code is consistent with a laboratory and manufacturing environment, requiring appropriate PPE and attire suitable for working around chemicals, food products, and production equipment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of ALSIP, 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 ALSIP, IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in ALSIP,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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.