Lab Technician

Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician supports the food safety and quality programs by performing routine testing on raw materials and finished products. This role ensures that all products meet internal quality requirements as well as customer, state, and federal standards. The technician follows established laboratory procedures, maintains accurate records, and collaborates closely with production teams to identify and resolve quality issues.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for entry-level candidates to gain hands-on laboratory experience and develop expertise in food quality within a food manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine chemical analyses on raw materials and finished products, including pH, moisture, salt, and fat content, in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with quality requirements related to certifications, customer specifications, and state and federal regulations.
• Follow all SOPs, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) to maintain a safe, clean, and compliant laboratory environment.
• Conduct product sampling, inspection, and testing activities to support the hold and release program for finished goods and raw materials.
• Accurately enter test results and other data into laboratory systems and maintain organized, complete records as required by lab SOPs.
• Assist in retrieving documentation and records during audits and support audit-related activities as needed.
• Provide clear and timely feedback to supervisors and production teams when quality-related discrepancies, violations, or issues are identified.
• Work independently to prioritize tasks, manage workload, and complete testing within required time frames.
• Support continuous improvement of quality and food safety processes by identifying trends or recurring issues and communicating them to the appropriate teams.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, food science, or a related discipline.
• Basic laboratory skills, including performing pH measurements and testing for moisture, salt, and fat content is preferred.
• Ability to follow SOPs, GMPs, and GLPs accurately and consistently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for data entry, reporting, and communication.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong quality control mindset with a focus on food safety and product consistency.
• Effective communication skills to provide feedback and collaborate with production and quality teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Academic or practical experience in biology, chemistry, or food science that supports understanding of laboratory testing and food quality principles.
• Comfort working with audit processes, including retrieving documentation and supporting facility visits.
• Interest in developing a long-term career in food quality, food safety, or laboratory science.
• Appreciation for community-focused organizations that support local causes and charitable initiatives.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing plant within a dedicated quality laboratory environment. The technician spends the majority of the day in the lab performing testing and data entry, with periodic visits to the production floor several times per shift to collect product samples.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elgin, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/hr individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills,…