Lab Technician

Lab Technician

The Lab Technician performs a wide range of sensory, physical, and chemical tests on finished products to ensure they meet established quality specifications. This role evaluates Bills of Material for completeness and proper documentation, records test data in a laboratory information management system, and supports both laboratory and production floor activities. The position combines hands-on wet chemistry testing with equipment inspections, procedural audits, and packaging verification to maintain high standards of product quality and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform sensory, physical, and chemical tests on finished products to verify they meet established specifications.
• Evaluate Bills of Material (BOM) for completeness and proper documentation.
• Record test data and maintain the laboratory work list in the LIMS system to ensure timely release of finished products.
• Report nonconformances and document immediate corrective actions in the LIMS system.
• Conduct required inspections of manufacturing equipment, storage equipment, and sanitation cleaning.
• Participate in external check sample programs and internal proficiency programs to verify testing accuracy.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) at all times.
• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required for testing and inspections.
• Assist with raw material testing, including review and filing of Certificates of Analysis (COA).
• Inspect finished product packaging to ensure labels and configurations are correct prior to release.
• Approve and apply final wrap using automated equipment.
• Perform wet chemistry product testing, including salt, viscosity, bicarbonate, displacement, moisture, surface color, UV-Vis, HPLC, antioxidant testing, Fat CEM Rapid Analyzer, and micro testing such as Kjeldahl protein analysis.
• Spend approximately 70% of time in the laboratory performing testing and 30% on the manufacturing and shipping floor conducting inspections and procedural audits.
• Conduct floor audits to ensure adherence to GMPs and verify labels before products are shipped.
• Rotate between laboratory and floor stations on a weekly schedule, typically two weeks in the lab and one week on the floor.
• Communicate findings clearly with individuals and small groups, including reporting issues and collaborating on corrective actions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall quality assurance and laboratory operations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific discipline, or a Bachelors degree with a minimum of 6 months of relevant experience in a laboratory or food company.
• 6-12 months of experience in quality-focused work, preferably within a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on wet chemistry experience, including work with viscosity, pH, moisture, and related tests.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting, which may include academic laboratory experience.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write clear, simple correspondence and testing documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and small groups.
• Ability to read, write, understand, and speak the English language.
• Capability to perform product tasting as part of sensory evaluation.
• Ability to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work flexibly on 2nd or 3rd shift and train on 1st shift.

Work Environment

This role is offered as an indefinite contract position, with the potential for one opening to transition from temporary to permanent employment once headcount approval is received. The position operates primarily on 2nd or 3rd shift, with flexibility required to work either schedule based on future needs. Typical shift hours are Monday through Friday 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for 2nd shift, 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. for 3rd shift, and 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for 1st shift.

Training is expected to take place on 1st shift for approximately the first two months. The work environment includes both laboratory and production floor settings.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/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…