Lab Technician

Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician supports the food safety and quality programs by performing routine testing on raw materials and finished products. This role ensures that all products meet internal quality requirements as well as customer, state, and federal standards. The technician follows established laboratory procedures, maintains accurate records, and collaborates closely with production teams to identify and resolve quality issues. This position offers an excellent opportunity for entry-level candidates to gain hands-on laboratory experience and develop expertise in food quality within a food manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine chemical analyses on raw materials and finished products, including pH, moisture, salt, and fat content, in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with quality requirements related to certifications, customer specifications, and state and federal regulations.
• Follow all SOPs, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) to maintain a safe, clean, and compliant laboratory environment.
• Conduct product sampling, inspection, and testing activities to support the hold and release program for finished goods and raw materials.
• Accurately enter test results and other data into laboratory systems and maintain organized, complete records as required by lab SOPs.
• Assist in retrieving documentation and records during audits and support audit-related activities as needed.
• Provide clear and timely feedback to supervisors and production teams when quality-related discrepancies, violations, or issues are identified.
• Work independently to prioritize tasks, manage workload, and complete testing within required timeframes.
• Support continuous improvement of quality and food safety processes by identifying trends or recurring issues and communicating them to the appropriate teams.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, food science, or a related discipline.
• Basic laboratory skills, including performing pH measurements and testing for moisture, salt, and fat content is preferred.
• Ability to follow SOPs, GMPs, and GLPs accurately and consistently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for data entry, reporting, and communication.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong quality control mindset with a focus on food safety and product consistency.
• Effective communication skills to provide feedback and collaborate with production and quality teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Academic or practical experience in biology, chemistry, or food science that supports understanding of laboratory testing and food quality principles.
• Comfort working with audit processes, including retrieving documentation and supporting facility visits.
• Interest in developing a long-term career in food quality, food safety, or laboratory science.
• Appreciation for community-focused organizations that support local causes and charitable initiatives.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing plant within a dedicated quality laboratory environment. The technician spends the majority of the day in the lab performing testing and data entry, with periodic visits to the production floor several times per shift to collect product samples.

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 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.