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Food Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Winlandfoods

Food Technician

Oak Brook, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Communicate findings, observations, and challenges to project leads * Assist with preparation and ... Keep the lab clean, organized, and GMP-compliant * Complete assigned project tasks within ...

Certified Group

Chemistry Lab Tech II

Aurora, IL

$18.75 - $25/hr

JOB SUMMARY Assist in the chemical testing of food products, ingredients, and other matrices with ... Maintain lab workspaces in a clean and organized manner at all times * Assisting with managing ...

Lab 1860

Front of House Manager

Orland Park, IL

$55K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About Lab 1860 Lab 1860 is a Levantine café and kitchen concept opening in Orland Park, Illinois ... the Assistant FoH Manager, Café Associates, Baristas, and Food Runners -- hiring, training ...

Lab 1860

Front of House Manager

Orland Park, IL

$55K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About Lab 1860 Lab 1860 is a Levantine café and kitchen concept opening in Orland Park, Illinois ... the Assistant FoH Manager, Café Associates, Baristas, and Food Runners -- hiring, training ...

Certified Group

Lab Analyst

Aurora, IL

Perform analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmentals ... * Assist in quality duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms ...

Certified Group

Chemistry Lab Tech II

Aurora, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

JOB SUMMARY Assist in the chemical testing of food products, ingredients, and other matrices with ... Maintain lab workspaces in a clean and organized manner at all times * Assisting with managing ...

Certified Group

Lab Analyst

Aurora, IL · On-site

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ... * Assist in quality duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms ...

Certified Group

Lab Analyst

Aurora, IL · On-site

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ... * Assist in quality duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms ...

Innophos

Lab Technician A

Chicago Heights, IL

$28.83/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... * Assist production personnel as needed, keep the work area clean and organized, trains other ... food, health, nutrition and industrial markets. We leverage our expertise in the science and ...

Innophos

Lab Technician A

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$28.83/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... * Assist production personnel as needed, keep the work area clean and organized, trains other ... food, health, nutrition and industrial markets. We leverage our expertise in the science and ...

Ferrero

R&D Lab Operator - Bakery & Confectionery

Chicago, IL · On-site

$69K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Today, it is one of the world's largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold ... tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support ...

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All JobsFood Lab JobsFood Lab Assistant JobsFood Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Food Lab Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do food lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab assistant in Chicago, IL is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges might a food lab assistant face during routine testing and how can they be addressed?

Food Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control standards while handling multiple samples and adhering to tight deadlines. Another common issue is managing cross-contamination risks, which requires careful attention to lab protocols and cleanliness. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is also crucial, especially when clarifying test procedures or reporting unusual findings. Staying organized, following standard operating procedures, and seeking guidance when uncertainties arise can help overcome these challenges and ensure accurate results.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a food lab assistant?

To thrive as a Food Lab Assistant, you need a background in food science or a related field, with knowledge of laboratory safety and basic analytical techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food testing methods, and data management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work well in a team are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate testing, compliance with safety standards, and efficient support of food quality and research operations.

What is a food lab assistant?

Food Lab Assistants are professionals who support food scientists and technologists in research and quality control laboratories. They help prepare samples, conduct experiments, maintain laboratory equipment, and record data related to food safety, nutrition, and product development. Their work is essential in ensuring food products meet safety standards and regulatory requirements. Food Lab Assistants often work in food manufacturing companies, research institutions, or government agencies.

What exactly does a food lab assistant do?

A food lab assistant supports food testing and analysis in a laboratory setting by preparing samples, operating testing equipment, and recording data. They ensure food safety and quality standards are met, often working with tools like pH meters, spectrometers, and microscopes, and may need knowledge of safety protocols and proper documentation procedures.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Lab jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Food Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Food Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Food Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Food Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Food Lab Assistant job openings:
Food Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Lab Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,383 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Food Technician

Winlandfoods

Oak Brook, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Food Scientists play a critical role in turning ideas into high-quality, scalable products that delight customers and perform in manufacturing. This career path is designed to support growth from hands-on formulation and testing to enterprise-level technical leadership and innovation strategy.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

IL Oak Brook

Job Type:

Research and Development

Job Posting Title:

Food Technician

Job Description:

Schedule: 1st shift Monday-Friday, with flexibility as needed

Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP,Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $16.83 to $24.86 Per Hour with additional bonus potential

The Food Technician supports the design, testing, validation, and implementation of new products, line extensions, and product improvements. Working closely with Food Scientists and plant partners, this role is ideal for someone who enjoys laboratory work, collaboration, and learning the full lifecycle of food innovation.

What You'll Do

  • Conduct routine laboratory, pilot plant, and production tests following established procedures
  • Support bench-top trials, pilot runs, plant trials, and product start-ups
  • Accurately evaluate, document, and organize test results, formulations, and processing parameters
  • Communicate findings, observations, and challenges to project leads
  • Assist with preparation and shipment of R&D samples for internal and customer use
  • Coordinate ingredient and product shipments for trials and testing
  • Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and ingredient inventories
  • Keep the lab clean, organized, and GMP-compliant
  • Complete assigned project tasks within established timelines

What We're Looking For

  • High school diploma or equivalent (required)
  • Previous lab or food manufacturing experience preferred
  • Strong attention to detail and organization
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Comfortable working cross-functionally with scientists and operations teams
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work standing for extended periods
  • Willingness to work in hot and cold environments

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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