Quality Lab Technician

ACTalent; O'Fallon (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Dental & Vision

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Technician for a dairy production site in O Fallon, IL. The role focuses on lab testing, documentation, and collaboration with production to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has a science background, a quality-minded attitude, and the ability to work 2nd shift in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. Sample collection and organoleptic testing are part of daily activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field preferred.
• Quality control mindset with attention to detail.
• Understanding of lab practices and safe handling of samples/equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and manage priorities.
• Follow SOPs and maintain accurate records.
• Comfort with organoleptic testing of dairy products.
• Strong communication with lab and production teams.
• Interest in a long-term career in food quality.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples from the production line for quality verification.
• Perform basic analytical testing (pH, wet chemistry, basic microbiology).
• Use lab equipment and pipetting techniques to generate results.
• Document results accurately per procedures and standards.
• Assist with daily lab activities and workflow.
• Participate in organoleptic testing of dairy products.
• Maintain clean, compliant laboratory environment per GLP.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in science

Quality control mindset

Attention to detail

Laboratory practices

Multitasking in manufacturing

Organoleptic testing

Clear communication

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology / Chemistry / Food Science

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Quality Technician

Job Description

The Quality Technician supports a dairy manufacturing facility that produces milk, flavored milks, and cultured dairy products by performing routine testing on in-process and finished products to ensure they meet established food safety and quality standards. This role focuses on laboratory testing, accurate documentation, and close collaboration with production and quality teams to maintain consistent product quality and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Collect in-process and finished product samples from the production line to verify that quality and safety standards are consistently met.

• Perform basic analytical testing, including pH measurements, wet chemistry techniques, and basic microbiological testing on dairy products.

• Use laboratory equipment and pipetting techniques accurately to conduct analyses and generate reliable test results.

• Document and record all test results clearly and accurately in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulatory standards.

• Support other technicians by assisting with daily lab activities and contributing to efficient lab operations and workflow.

• Participate in organoleptic (taste) testing of dairy products as part of overall quality evaluation and product assessment.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment by following good laboratory practices and housekeeping standards.

• Follow standard operating procedures and quality protocols to ensure consistent testing practices and data integrity.

• Collaborate with production personnel to communicate test results, support troubleshooting, and help resolve quality-related issues.

• Demonstrate a quality-focused mindset and a long-term commitment to building a career in food quality and safety.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in a science-related field such as Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or a closely related discipline preferred.

• Quality control and quality assurance mindset with strong attention to detail.

• Basic understanding of laboratory practices, including safe handling of samples and equipment, or a strong willingness to learn.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple tasks and priorities.

• Ability to follow standard operating procedures precisely and maintain accurate records.

• Comfort with consuming dairy products as part of organoleptic (taste) testing for product evaluation.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both laboratory and production teams.

• Interest in building a long-term career in quality, food safety, or food science within a manufacturing setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior laboratory or quality experience in food, beverage, or manufacturing environments is a plus but not required; entry-level candidates are welcome.

• Experience or coursework in food safety, food science, or related disciplines is beneficial.

• Familiarity with wet chemistry techniques, pH testing, and basic microbiological methods is advantageous.

• Comfort using laboratory equipment and pipetting techniques to perform routine analyses.

• Demonstrated ability to be quality minded, reliable, and committed to continuous learning.

• Ability to build positive working relationships and communicate clearly with a relatively new team.

• Openness to working 2nd shift hours and maintaining consistent attendance.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based in a laboratory within a dairy manufacturing facility that produces milk, flavored milks, and cultured dairy products. The Quality Technician works closely with a relatively new and collaborative team, where clear communication and an easygoing, professional demeanor are important. While most tasks take place in the lab, the role also requires regularly going out onto the production floor to collect samples and interact with production staff. The environment is fast paced and production-oriented, with exposure to typical food manufacturing conditions such as chilled areas, processing equipment, and active production lines. The position follows 2nd shift hours, and the dress code aligns with standard food manufacturing and laboratory expectations, including appropriate hygiene and safety attire

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of O Fallon, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of O Fallon, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in O Fallon,IL.

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.