Quality Lab Technician ** 22/HR

Quality Lab Technician

Job Description

The Quality Lab Technician role is based in a dairy manufacturing facility that produces milk, flavored milks such as chocolate and strawberry, and cultured dairy products including cottage cheese. In this position, you support the quality team by performing routine testing on in-process and finished products to ensure they meet strict food safety and quality standards. You play a key role in maintaining product integrity, supporting laboratory operations, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and long-term quality excellence.

Responsibilities

• Collect in-process and finished product samples from the production line and bring them to the laboratory for analysis.
• Perform basic analytical testing, including pH measurements, wet chemistry techniques, and basic microbiological testing on dairy products.
• Utilize laboratory equipment and pipetting techniques accurately to conduct analyses and generate reliable data.
• Document and record all test results in accordance with internal procedures and applicable regulatory standards.
• Support other technicians by assisting with daily lab activities and contributing to efficient workflow and lab operations.
• Participate in organoleptic (taste) testing of dairy products as part of the overall quality evaluation process.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment, following all safety and sanitation protocols.
• Follow standard operating procedures consistently and maintain strong attention to detail in all testing and documentation tasks.
• Interact and communicate effectively with production staff while collecting samples and discussing quality-related findings.
• Demonstrate a quality-focused mindset and a desire to build a long-term career in quality assurance and laboratory work.

Essential Skills

• Quality control and quality assurance mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of laboratory practices, or a strong willingness to learn and apply lab techniques.
• Ability to perform basic analytical tests, including pH testing, wet chemistry methods, and basic microbiological procedures.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and pipetting techniques with accuracy and care.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and maintain accurate, organized documentation.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and adapting to changing priorities.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with both laboratory colleagues and production staff.
• Comfort with consuming dairy products as part of sensory and organoleptic evaluations.
• Interest in long-term growth and building a career within a quality-focused role.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field preferred, such as Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Prior laboratory or quality experience is a plus, but the role is open to entry-level candidates.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a relatively new team and build positive working relationships.
• Demonstrated reliability and commitment to maintaining high food safety and quality standards.

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in a laboratory within a dairy manufacturing facility that produces a variety of milk and cultured dairy products. You work closely with a relatively new, collaborative team that values clear communication and being easy to work with. While most duties occur in the lab, you regularly go onto the production floor to collect samples and interact with production personnel. The environment is fast-paced and focused on maintaining strict food safety and quality standards, offering opportunities to learn, grow, and build a long-term career in quality and laboratory work.

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

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)

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

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.

Salary : $22