Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Actalent; Horn Lake (MS); On-site; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent in Horn Lake, MS, is seeking a Quality Control Laboratory Technician to ensure products meet quality and safety standards in a food processing environment. The role focuses on testing raw materials and finished goods, performing laboratory analyses, and supporting QA processes, primarily on the 2nd shift after initial 1st shift training.

Responsibilities include documenting results, entering data into quality databases, maintaining GMP compliance, lifting up to 50 pounds, and

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of lab, quality control, or related experience.
• Fluent reading and writing in English.
• Ability to perform calculations and data entry for test results.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and work on ladders.
• Familiarity with FDA, GMP, and food safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform QC testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to verify compliance with specifications and standards.
• Conduct laboratory analyses using wet chemistry, microbiology, and other methods to assess quality and safety.
• Measure viscosity and other physical/chemical properties of products and materials.
• Document results clearly and enter data into quality databases.
• Support GMP and QA procedures and investigate any deviations or nonconformances.

Skills

Laboratory experience

English fluency

Mathematical calculations

Data entry

Physical ability to lift 50 pounds

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in food science / chemistry / biology / microbiology

Tools

Quality control equipment

Wet chemistry techniques

Microbiology techniques

Job description

Job Title: Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Quality Control Laboratory Technician ensures that all finished products consistently meet established quality and safety standards within a food processing and ingredients manufacturing environment. This role focuses on testing raw materials and finished goods, performing laboratory analyses, and supporting quality assurance processes. The position primarily covers 2nd shift, with initial training on 1st shift and potential coverage of other shifts as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality control testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to verify compliance with internal specifications and regulatory standards.
• Conduct laboratory analyses using wet chemistry, microbiology, and other analytical methods to assess product quality and safety.
• Measure and evaluate viscosity and other physical and chemical properties of products and raw materials.
• Use quality control analysis equipment accurately and safely to perform routine and non-routine tests.
• Document test results clearly and accurately, and enter data into computer systems and quality databases for tracking and reporting.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with FDA, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and internal quality assurance procedures.
• Identify, report, and help investigate any deviations, nonconformances, or quality issues observed during testing.
• Support quality assurance testing activities within the facility, including verification of processes and products.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, following all safety protocols and handling procedures.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to communicate test results and support continuous improvement of product quality.
• Lift materials and equipment as needed, and safely climb ladders to access work platforms for sampling or testing activities.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED with 1–2 years of related work experience in a laboratory, quality control, or similar environment.
• Ability to use quality control analysis equipment in a laboratory setting.
• Fluency in spoken and written English to read, interpret, and document technical information.
• Strong mathematical skills to perform calculations related to testing and analysis.
• Computer and data processing skills to enter, manage, and analyze test results.
• Ability to climb ladders to reach work platforms safely.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as part of routine duties.
• Experience or familiarity with food science, microbiology, chemistry, biology, and wet chemistry techniques.
• Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance practices in a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Understanding of FDA requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a food-related setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related scientific field is preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with raw materials testing and analysis in a food or ingredient manufacturing facility.
• Background in food science and quality control within food processing environments.
• Familiarity with laboratory best practices, including sample handling, labeling, and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple shifts and adapt to schedule changes, including occasional overtime and extended shifts.

Work Environment

This role operates within a quality assurance and laboratory setting inside a food processing and food ingredients manufacturing facility. The technician works with laboratory instruments and quality control analysis equipment to perform testing on raw materials and finished products. The environment requires adherence to FDA regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, safety, and accurate documentation. The position involves physical activities such as climbing ladders to reach work platforms and lifting up to 50 pounds. Training takes place on 1st shift (approximately 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), after which the technician transitions to an open shift, primarily 2nd shift (approximately 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). There may also be opportunities or requirements to work 3rd shift (approximately 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, with occasional Fridays). Some overtime may be required, including potential 12-hour shifts, with advance notification provided.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Horn Lake, MS.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/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 Horn Lake,MS.
• 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 [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.