Quality Lab Technician
Job Description
This role performs a broad range of quality testing on food ingredient products, including sweet inclusions for ice cream, beverage mixes, vitamins, and other finished goods, as well as incoming ingredients. The Quality Technician conducts sensory evaluations and analytical, chemical, and physical tests in accordance with current specifications. The position supports food safety and quality programs by identifying non-conformances, investigating root causes, and documenting results in laboratory and quality systems. This is an excellent opportunity to gain broad experience in quality within a food manufacturing environment, with potential for long-term career growth. Great entry level opportunity!
Responsibilities
Perform a wide range of quality tests on food ingredient products, including sensory evaluations and analytical, chemical, and physical testing for finished goods and incoming ingredients according to current specifications.
Conduct sensory testing on products, including those containing dairy, to evaluate taste, texture, appearance, and overall quality.
Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment at the frequencies specified in calibration procedures, ensuring accurate and reliable test results.
Identify lots and batches that do not meet specifications and thoroughly investigate non-conformance issues, including evaluating data and proposing solutions.
Assist in complaint investigations by reviewing test data, contributing to root cause analysis, and supporting corrective and preventive actions.
Review and write standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the laboratory as needed, maintaining a continuous improvement mindset.
Perform daily Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) inspections and walkthroughs in the plant, monitoring compliance with quality and food safety standards.
Conduct in-plant process and internal audits, including swabbing equipment, rooms, drains, and other areas to support environmental compliance.
Collect and composite swab samples for external microbiological testing, ensuring proper handling, labeling, and documentation.
Document all test results accurately in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and internal databases to support tracking, trending, and compliance.
Create labels for incoming ingredients and ensure accurate identification, traceability, and status labeling.
Release batches in the system once testing confirms that products meet specifications and quality standards.
Follow all quality and food safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements while working in both lab and plant environments.
Participate actively in continuous improvement activities, identifying opportunities to enhance testing methods, processes, and documentation.
Communicate effectively with production and other departments, confidently representing quality standards and acting as a steward of product quality.
Adapt to changing priorities and production needs, including supporting extended or additional shifts when required.
Perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and repetitive motions, and move, lift, or push objects weighing up to 55 pounds as part of daily work.
Work safely in a plant environment that may be hot, humid, or cooler in certain warehouse areas, and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniforms as required.
Essential Skills
High school diploma with 1-2 years of experience in a quality or laboratory role in a manufacturing environment preferred.
Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with laboratory exposure and experience in an industrial, labor-intensive, or on-your-feet position (such as restaurant experience).
Understanding of basic laboratory procedures gained through education or work experience.
Experience or familiarity with quality control practices in a manufacturing or food environment.
Ability to perform sensory testing, including products containing milk and other dairy ingredients.
Ability to calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment according to defined procedures.
Capability to conduct analytical, chemical, and physical testing on food ingredients and finished products.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and develop practical solutions to non-conformance issues.
Ability to work independently and manage daily tasks with minimal supervision.
Comfort working in both laboratory and plant environments, including areas with fluctuating temperature and humidity.
Physical ability to lift and move up to 55 pounds and to perform prolonged standing, walking, and other physical activities.
Willingness and flexibility to work extended shifts, occasional weekends, or adjust start and end times as needed.
Proficiency in documenting test results accurately in LIMS or similar systems and internal databases.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to following GMP, quality, and food safety procedures.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience performing GMP inspections, internal audits, and environmental monitoring such as equipment and room swabbing.
Familiarity with composite sampling and sending samples for external microbiological testing.
Experience reviewing and writing laboratory SOPs and participating in continuous improvement initiatives.
Comfort working with powdered products, especially those that are mixed with dairy.
Ability to confidently interact with production personnel and uphold quality standards, even under pressure.
Adaptable and flexible mindset, with a strong desire for continuous learning and professional development.
Experience in fast-paced, hands-on roles such as restaurant or other industrial environments.
Interest in building a long-term career in quality or production leadership within a manufacturing setting.
No known food allergies other than peanut and fish/shellfish allergies, and no color blindness, to safely perform sensory and visual quality tests.
Work Environment
This position operates in a combined lab/test kitchen and food manufacturing plant environment. The lab team is small and collaborative, consisting of a handful of technicians working closely with a supervisor, quality manager, and quality assurance coordinators.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of BRIDGETON, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.55/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 pertinent job-related factors.
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 BRIDGETON,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.
