Lab Technician

Job Title: Quality Assurance Laboratory TechnicianJob Description The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician supports the food safety and quality program by performing laboratory testing on raw materials and finished products. This role ensures that products meet internal quality standards as well as customer, state, and federal requirements. The technician follows established procedures and laboratory best practices while providing accurate data and clear feedback to support production and quality teams. Responsibilities Perform routine chemical analyses on raw materials and finished products, including pH, moisture, salt, and fat content, in accordance with laboratory procedures.Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) in all testing and documentation activities.Conduct product sampling, inspection, and testing to support the hold and release program, ensuring only approved product is released.Complete accurate data entry and maintain thorough records as required by laboratory SOPs and quality systems.Retrieve and organize documentation during audits to support quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.Provide timely feedback to managers and production teams when quality-related discrepancies, violations, or other issues arise, and assist in resolving them.Support facility visits and audits by presenting laboratory processes, records, and test results as needed.Work independently to manage daily testing workload, prioritize tasks, and meet required timelines.Collaborate with quality and production personnel to maintain consistent product quality and continuous improvement of processes. 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 daily tasks with minimal supervision.Experience or strong interest in quality control, food science, or food manufacturing environments. Additional Skills & Qualifications Previous hands-on experience in a food manufacturing quality or laboratory role.Familiarity with hold and release programs and related documentation requirements.Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, data entry, and record keeping.Effective communication skills to provide clear feedback to production and management teams.Interest in developing a career in food quality and laboratory operations.Comfort working in both laboratory and production floor settings. Work Environment This position is based in a food manufacturing plant with a primary focus in a quality laboratory environment. The technician spends most of the day in the lab performing tests, with periodic visits to the production floor several times per shift to collect samples and observe processes. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with overtime available based on production needs, including some Saturdays as required. The role operates within a structured quality and safety-focused culture, using standard laboratory instruments and computer systems to support food safety and product quality. 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 2, 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.