Design Lab Assistant Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: R&D Lab Technician - Food and Beverage

Job Description

Join our dynamic R&D team as a Lab Technician, where you will support the development and testing of food and beverage products. You will work in a collaborative environment alongside senior chemists and technologists, gaining valuable experience in both beverage and confectionery applications.

Responsibilities

• Prepare bench-top samples, formulations, and ingredient weigh-outs for food and beverage projects.
• Assist with batching, blending, compounding, and sample preparation.
• Maintain inventories of raw materials, flavors, finished products, and lab supplies.
• Label, package, and ship customer and internal samples.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain laboratory equipment and workspaces.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and food safety standards.
• Assist with pilot plant trials, production scale-ups, and product testing activities.
• Accurately document formulations, sample preparation, inventory usage, and test results.
• Participate in sensory panels and product evaluations.
• Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Commercialization teams to support project objectives.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in lab techniques related to food science.
• Experience in R&D, GMP practices, and culinary science.
• Understanding of chemistry and food manufacturing processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, Chemistry, or a related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in food manufacturing, laboratory operations, product development, culinary, or applications support environments (can be from internships and/or industry).
• Knowledge of food and beverage formulations, ingredient functionality, and handling practices.
• Ability to accurately weigh ingredients, batch products, and follow formulation instructions.
• Capability to safely handle allergen-containing materials, including dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, nuts, sesame, meat, and seafood products.

Work Environment

Work in a GMP food and beverage environment, supporting product development across beverage, bakery, dairy, confectionery, savory, snack, and culinary applications. The role involves hands-on lab preparation, batching, sample management, equipment maintenance, and administrative support. Collaborate closely with senior-level team members in product development and day-to-day laboratory operations. The position offers a competitive market pay.

This is a Contract position based out of Addison, IL.

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $28.00/hr.

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 Addison,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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 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.