• Quality Control Laboratory Technician

    Actalent (Elk Grove Village, IL)


    Job Title: Quality Control Laboratory TechnicianJob Description

     

    We are seeking a detail-oriented and methodical Quality Lab Technician to support our food manufacturing operations through accurate and timely analytical testing. This role plays a critical part in ensuring product quality and compliance by performing routine compositional analyses including fat determination, salt content by silver nitrate (AgNO₃) titration, and moisture analysis, among others. The technician will work closely with Production and Quality teams, reporting directly to the Quality Lab Supervisor.

    Responsibilities

    + Perform daily laboratory testing of in-process materials, finished products, and raw materials using established methods, including fat content extraction, salt content via silver nitrate (AgNO₃) titration, and moisture content using oven-drying or rapid moisture analyzers.

    + Accurately document and review analytical results, identifying out-of-specification trends and promptly notifying appropriate personnel.

    + Calibrate, operate, and maintain lab instruments and testing equipment per SOPs and manufacturer recommendations.

    + Support root cause investigations for non-conforming results or customer complaints.

    + Maintain laboratory inventory, ensuring availability of reagents, glassware, and consumables.

    + Conduct housekeeping of the laboratory, apparatus, and reusable supplies.

    + Ensure strict adherence to food safety and quality standards (HACCP, GMPs, SQF/BRC/other as applicable).

    + Assist with proficiency testing, method validations, and inter-lab comparisons as needed.

    + Participate in internal audits and support external audits by providing relevant documentation and records.

    + Continuously improve lab processes for efficiency, repeatability, and accuracy.

    + Perform other duties as assigned by Management.

    Essential Skills

    + Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field.

    + 1-2 years of relevant laboratory experience in food manufacturing.

    + Familiarity with gravimetric, volumetric, and titrimetric analytical techniques.

    + Experience with AgNO₃ titration for salt analysis.

    + Knowledge of moisture/fat analysis methods (e.g., oven-drying, rapid analyzers).

    + Experience working within a GFSI-certified facility (e.g., SQF, BRC, FSSC).

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

    + Experience in wet chemistry.

    + Understanding of GMP standards.

    Work Environment

    The role is primarily lab-based within a food production environment and requires working the 3rd shift from 10 PM to 6 AM. There is a shift differential for this shift. The work environment may involve exposure to food allergens, temperature variations, and occasionally wet or slippery conditions. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required as per company policy. The setting includes an office and warehouse environment with temperatures ranging from 55 to 80 degrees. The company culture is laid back, creative, and collaborative, with amenities such as an on-site basketball court, happy hours, and softball/volleyball teams. Team compatibility is important as the culture is highly valued.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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)

     

    Workplace Type

     

    This is a fully onsite position in Elk Grove Village,IL.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Oct 24, 2025.

    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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.