Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Quality Control Laboratory TechnicianJob Description

The Quality Control Laboratory Technician ensures that all finished products meet established quality and safety standards within a food processing and food ingredients manufacturing environment. This role focuses on quality assurance testing of raw materials and finished products, with an emphasis on microbiology, chemistry, and food science. The technician works primarily on a first-shift schedule and uses laboratory and quality control analysis equipment to support consistent, compliant production.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality assurance and quality control testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure they meet established specifications and regulatory standards.
• Conduct laboratory analyses using wet chemistry, microbiology, and basic chemistry techniques to verify product quality and safety.
• Measure and evaluate product viscosity and other physical and chemical properties as part of routine quality testing.
• Apply principles of food science, biology, and microbiology to assess product quality and identify potential issues.
• Use quality control analysis equipment and laboratory instruments accurately and safely to perform tests and record results.
• Document test data clearly and accurately using computer systems and data processing tools, ensuring traceability and compliance with quality procedures.
• Support compliance with FDA, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and internal quality assurance standards in all testing activities.
• Inspect and test raw materials to verify they meet required specifications before use in production.
• Communicate test results, quality concerns, and nonconformances to appropriate team members in a timely and professional manner.
• Follow established laboratory protocols, safety procedures, and standard operating procedures to maintain a safe and organized work area.
• Assist in troubleshooting quality issues by providing analytical support and participating in investigations as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory methods, quality control processes, and documentation practices.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of related work experience in a laboratory, quality control, or similar environment.
• Ability to use quality control analysis equipment and laboratory instruments for testing and measurement.
• Foundational knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, biology, and food science as applied to quality control and laboratory testing.
• Experience performing wet chemistry and analytical testing in a laboratory setting.
• Understanding of raw materials testing, quality assurance practices, FDA requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Fluency in spoken and written English to read procedures, document results, and communicate findings.
• Strong mathematical skills to perform calculations, interpret test results, and handle data accurately.
• Computer and data processing skills to enter, manage, and analyze quality data in electronic systems.
• Ability to climb ladders to access work platforms as required by testing or sampling procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely as part of routine duties in a production and laboratory environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in a related field such as food science, chemistry, biology, or a similar discipline is preferred.
• Prior experience in a food processing or food ingredients manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with viscosity testing and interpretation of physical and chemical property measurements.
• Experience working within structured quality systems and adhering to documented procedures and standards.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Ability to work collaboratively with production, quality, and laboratory teams to support consistent product quality.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food processing and food ingredients manufacturing facility with a strong focus on quality assurance testing. The Quality Control Laboratory Technician works primarily in a laboratory setting, using quality control analysis equipment, wet chemistry tools, and microbiological and chemical testing methods. The position follows a first-shift schedule, typically 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the possibility of some overtime extending into 12-hour shifts when needed and with prior notification. The environment requires adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA-related standards, and established safety procedures. The technician may need to climb ladders to access work platforms and lift up to 50 pounds as part of routine duties. Appropriate attire and personal protective equipment are required to maintain safety and hygiene in both the laboratory and production areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Horn Lake, MS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/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 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 Horn Lake,MS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 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.