Lab Technician

Actalent; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician for the Des Moines, IA area to test product samples from each batch and document results. The role supports safe, compliant food manufacturing by performing laboratory tests and issuing holds on nonconforming product.

The position operates on third shift (9:00 p.m.–5:30 a.m.), Sunday through Thursday, onsite in Des Moines, with a path to permanent placement. Strong attention to detail and HACCP knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of quality experience in a food manufacturing setting.
• Hands-on QA experience in production or laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with HACCP principles and food safety requirements.
• Experience with laboratory testing, including sampling, measurement, and documentation.
• Ability to review and verify batch information and records for accuracy and completeness.
• Knowledge of GMP in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, recording data, and issuing defect slips.
• Ability to follow written testing procedures and SOPs consistently.
• Basic computer skills to use systems such as QAD for work orders and recordkeeping.
• Dependable attendance and reliability in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Test samples from each batch to ensure conformity with standards.
• Perform laboratory tests to verify product quality, safety, and consistency.
• Issue defect slips and place nonconforming product on hold.
• Rotate retained samples for proper sample management.
• Record checks, tests, and results; maintain documentation for audits.
• Use QAD or similar systems to print work orders and ensure correct production information.
• Check scales for accuracy and proper function.
• Verify every batch complies with quality and food safety standards.
• Check pre-shipment samples to confirm finished goods meet specs.
• Determine rework levels and select sugar washes based on data.
• Adhere to safety rules in manufacturing and lab environment.
• Demonstrate regular attendance to support operations.
• Exercise care to prevent losses and quality issues.
• Follow GMP and HACCP-related activities as required.

Skills

Quality experience

QA in production or lab

HACCP knowledge

Laboratory testing

Batch records review

GMP knowledge

Attention to detail

Follow procedures

QAD or similar

Reliability

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

QAD

Job description

Job Title: Quality Assurance Technician

Job Description

The Quality Assurance Technician tests product samples from each batch according to established laboratory procedures, verifies that all products meet quality standards, and accurately documents all results. This role supports safe, consistent, and compliant food manufacturing by performing a variety of laboratory tests, issuing holds on nonconforming product, and maintaining detailed records for future reference.

Responsibilities

• Test samples from each batch of product mixed in accordance with the testing procedures manual to ensure every batch conforms to established standards.
• Perform a variety of laboratory tests to verify product quality, safety, and consistency.
• Issue defect slips and place any product that does not fall within accepted limits on hold until disposition is determined.
• Rotate retained samples on a regular schedule to ensure proper sample management and traceability.
• Record all checks, tests, and results accurately and file documentation for future reference and audits.
• Use QAD or similar systems to print work orders for products to be mixed and ensure correct information is provided for production.
• Check scales for accuracy and proper function to support precise measurements in production and testing.
• Check every batch of product produced to verify compliance with quality and food safety standards.
• Check pre-shipment samples to confirm that finished goods meet required specifications before release.
• Determine appropriate levels of rework and select which sugar washes to use in batches based on quality data and established guidelines.
• Adhere to all safety rules and regulations while working in the manufacturing and laboratory environment.
• Demonstrate regular, reliable attendance and dependability to support continuous operations.
• Exercise ordinary care to prevent material losses, product damage, and quality issues.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety procedures, including HACCP-related activities as required.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of quality experience in a food manufacturing setting.
• Hands-on experience with quality assurance in a production or laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with HACCP principles and food safety requirements.
• Experience with laboratory testing, including sampling, measurement, and documentation.
• Ability to review and verify batch information and records for accuracy and completeness.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, recording data, and issuing defect slips.
• Ability to follow written testing procedures and standard operating procedures consistently.
• Basic computer skills to use systems such as QAD or similar software for work orders and recordkeeping.
• Dependable attendance and reliability in a fast-paced production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred Bachelors degree in a related scientific field.
• Experience working with food safety programs and documentation.
• Understanding of food allergens and their impact on production and quality control.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small, tight-knit QA team.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with production and other departments.
• Organizational skills to manage retained samples, records, and multiple tests efficiently.
• Commitment to integrity, product quality, and long-term employee retention culture.

Work Environment

This position works on the QA team during third shift, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, with the work week ending on Friday morning. The role is based in a normal food manufacturing environment with potential exposure to dust, equipment movement hazards, and chemicals or solvents if safety procedures are not followed. The work may involve temperature extremes, damp conditions, and a significant work pace and pressure, as well as navigating obstacles and steps in the facility. Proper personal protective equipment is required at all times, and there is potential exposure to electrical shock if safety guidelines are not observed. The facility handles common food allergens, including soy, dairy, egg, tree nuts, and wheat. The team operates in a smaller, tight-knit environment that values integrity, rapid company growth, and strong employee retention. Tobacco use, including smoking, vaping, and chewing, is prohibited due to the nature of organoleptic testing performed in this environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.32 - $23.32/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 Des Moines,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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 [e-mail] 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.