Quality Lab Technician

Engtal; Alsip (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Engtal seeks a Quality Systems Lab Technician to test food ingredients and finished products in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You’ll perform sensory, physical, and chemical tests and help ensure batches meet specifications, working closely with production teams to release or hold materials.

The role requires hands-on lab testing, knowledge of wet chemistry and titrations, experience with LIMS, COAs, and GMP/GLP practices, and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in STEM required. Biology, microbiology, or chemistry preferred.
• Hands-on lab testing experience, including wet chemistry, basic titrations, and familiarity with standard lab equipment and procedures.
• Food industry experience, including foodservice roles that involved following food safety procedures.
• Reliable attendance, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently in the lab and communicate findings to production and quality teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform sensory, physical, and chemical tests on finished products and compare results against established specifications.
• Record test results, manage the lab worklist, and document out-of-spec findings and corrective actions in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Collect samples from the production floor, assist with raw material testing, and review Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• Check bills of materials for completeness and inspect production equipment, storage equipment, and sanitation cleaning.
• Participate in internal and external testing programs to verify the accuracy of lab results.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and wear required personal protective equipment.

Skills

Wet chemistry

Titrations

Lab testing

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication

Education

Associate degree in STEM

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

LIMS

COA review

Job description

We’re seeking a Quality Systems Lab Technician to test food ingredients and finished products in a food manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys running lab tests, investigating results that fall outside specifications, and working with production teams to determine which batches can be released or need to be held.ResponsibilitiesPerform sensory, physical, and chemical tests on finished products and compare results against established specifications.Use test results to support product hold and release decisions.Record test results, manage the lab worklist, and document out-of-spec findings and corrective actions in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).Collect samples from the production floor, assist with raw material testing, and review Certificates of Analysis (COAs).Check bills of materials for completeness and inspect production equipment, storage equipment, and sanitation cleaning.Participate in internal and external testing programs to verify the accuracy of lab results.Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and wear required personal protective equipment.QualificationsAssociate’s or bachelor’s degree in STEM required. Biology, microbiology, or chemistry preferred.Hands-on lab testing experience, including wet chemistry, basic titrations, and familiarity with standard lab equipment and procedures.Food industry experience, including foodservice roles that involved following food safety procedures.Reliable attendance, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.Ability to work independently in the lab and communicate findings to production and quality teams.Relevant ExperienceExperience in any of the following can translate well:Quality assurance or quality control in food manufacturingFood ingredient or finished-product testingFood testing labs or GMP-regulated lab environmentsHands-on academic lab work paired with foodservice or other food industry experiencePrior experience performing similar tests in a food lab is a plus. Early-career candidates who meet the degree, lab testing, and food industry requirements are encouraged to apply.