Quality Lab Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Technician for 2nd shift in O'Fallon, IL. This role combines laboratory testing with production support to ensure food safety and quality. You will work on analytical testing, data recording, and collaboration with production teams in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has a science background, willingness to learn, and comfort in both lab and manufacturing settings, with opportunities to grow in quality systems and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and data recording.
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• Follow established procedures and record results accurately.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples from production areas for laboratory testing.
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• Perform routine analytical testing on in-process and finished products (pH, wet chemistry, basic microbiology).
• Record data and maintain documentation in compliance with quality standards.
• Assist in troubleshooting quality concerns and investigations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Procedural compliance

Teamwork

Lab environment

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, or related field

Job description

Quality Technician - 2nd Shift

Food Manufacturing | Laboratory & Quality Assurance

Launch or Grow Your Career in Food Quality

Are you passionate about science, food safety, and quality? We're looking for a Quality Technician to join a growing quality team within a food manufacturing environment. This position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience, work directly with production teams, and play an important role in ensuring products consistently meet food safety and quality standards.

Whether you have previous laboratory experience or are a recent science graduate looking to begin a career in quality assurance, this role provides exposure to analytical testing, microbiology, food safety programs, and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

What You'll DoLaboratory Testing & Analysis

• Collect product samples from production areas and prepare them for laboratory testing.
• Perform routine analytical testing on in-process and finished products, including:
• pH analysis
• Wet chemistry testing
• Basic microbiological testing
• Utilize laboratory equipment and proper pipetting techniques to generate accurate and reliable results.
• Record and maintain testing data in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in troubleshooting product quality concerns and support quality investigations when needed.

Product Quality & Food Safety

• Verify that products meet established quality, food safety, and specification standards.
• Participate in sensory evaluations and product assessments.
• Support compliance with food safety programs, quality procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a strong focus on product integrity and consumer safety.

Team Collaboration

• Partner with production personnel to collect samples and communicate quality findings.
• Support laboratory operations by assisting fellow technicians and contributing to daily workflow.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts designed to enhance quality systems and processes.
• Build strong working relationships within a collaborative and team-oriented environment.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory.
• Follow established safety, sanitation, and testing procedures.
• Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and well organized.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and adherence to standard operating procedures.

What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to follow procedures and accurately document results.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Comfort working in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Willingness to learn laboratory techniques and quality systems.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt in a fast-paced production environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, or another science-related field.
• Previous laboratory, quality assurance, quality control, or food manufacturing experience.
• Experience performing:
• pH testing
• Wet chemistry analysis
• Basic microbiological testing
• Laboratory sample preparation
• Familiarity with food safety, quality systems, and regulatory standards.
• Experience using laboratory equipment and pipetting techniques.

Ideal Candidate

You may be an excellent fit if you are:

• A recent science graduate seeking hands-on laboratory experience.
• An entry-level laboratory professional looking to develop a career in quality assurance.
• Someone who enjoys working with data, procedures, and scientific testing.
• Interested in building a long-term career in food quality, food safety, or laboratory operations.

Why Join This Team?

• Gain valuable experience in food manufacturing quality and laboratory operations.
• Work alongside experienced quality professionals in a supportive environment.
• Develop skills in analytical testing, microbiology, food safety, and quality systems.
• Join a collaborative team that values professionalism, communication, and continuous learning.
• Build a strong foundation for future growth within quality assurance, food safety, laboratory management, or regulatory compliance.

Schedule & Work Environment

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

This position is primarily laboratory-based, with regular interaction on the production floor to collect samples and support manufacturing operations. The environment is fast-paced, team-oriented, and focused on producing safe, high-quality food products.

You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with both laboratory and production teams while developing skills that can support long-term career growth in quality assurance, food safety, and food manufacturing.

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)

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.