Job Title: Quality Lab Technician
Job Description
This role offers an opportunity to work as a Quality Lab Technician in a modern, sustainability-focused manufacturing facility. You will perform wet chemistry and microbiological testing on raw materials, in-process batches, and finished products to ensure they meet strict quality standards. You will collaborate closely with quality, production, and corporate teams, maintain detailed documentation, and contribute to continuous process and quality improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Perform wet chemistry laboratory analyses on raw materials, in-process batches, and finished products, including measurements of pH, viscosity, specific gravity, and physical properties such as color, odor, and appearance.
- Conduct instrumental analyses such as IR spectroscopy and FTIR to verify product and raw material conformity.
- Perform microbiological testing and environmental swabbing as required to support product quality and safety.
- Inspect and verify all incoming raw materials, including chemicals, bottles, and labels, to ensure they meet specifications before use.
- Conduct line audits to confirm that filling and compounding operations meet customer and internal quality requirements.
- Prepare and maintain accurate laboratory logs and reports using Microsoft Excel and other data management systems.
- Send daily email updates to the Lab Manager and Quality Director summarizing findings, issues, and key metrics from the shift.
- Interact with the corporate quality team to discuss and resolve any issues that arise during testing or production.
- Conduct pH, viscosity, certificate of analysis (COA) verification, specific gravity, packaging functional testing, and other quality tests on finished product cases from contract manufacturers and in-house production.
- Participate actively in quality and process improvement initiatives, contributing ideas and feedback.
- Identify and recommend process and quality improvement opportunities as they are discovered during routine work.
- Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Applied Sciences such as Chemistry, Biology, or Biochemistry.
- At least 1 year of experience in a quality laboratory position or equivalent strong laboratory experience gained through education.
- Hands-on wet chemistry experience, including use of pH meters and related analytical techniques.
- Microbiology or micro testing experience, including swabbing and basic micro procedures.
- Working knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel, for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and take ownership of assigned tasks.
- Ability to adapt to change and learn new procedures, methods, and systems quickly.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to write clear logs, reports, and emails and to discuss issues with internal and corporate teams.
- Attention to detail and strong documentation skills to ensure accurate and complete records of all testing and quality activities.
- Commitment to laboratory safety practices and safe handling of chemicals and equipment.
Work Environment
The position is primarily lab-based, with regular trips to the production floor to collect samples and document results. The facility typically operates around 40 hours per week, with overtime as business needs dictate. The laboratory is located in a state-of-the-art, very clean manufacturing facility recognized as a platinum manufacturing site. The plant emphasizes green initiatives and environmental responsibility, producing no waste that is released back into the environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chicago, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $20.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 6, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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.