Quality Technician

Job Title: Quality Technician

Job Description

The Quality Technician works in a dairy manufacturing facility that produces milk, flavored milks, and cultured dairy products such as cottage cheese. In this role, you support the quality team by performing routine testing on in-process and finished products to ensure they meet food safety and quality standards. You contribute directly to product quality, regulatory compliance, and overall laboratory efficiency in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Collect and test in-process and finished product samples to verify that quality and safety standards are consistently met.
• Perform basic analytical testing, including pH measurements, wet chemistry techniques, and basic microbiological testing on dairy products.
• Use laboratory equipment and pipetting techniques accurately to conduct analyses and ensure reliable test results.
• Document and record all test results in accordance with internal procedures and applicable regulatory standards.
• Support technicians by assisting with daily tasks and contributing to efficient lab operations and workflow.
• Participate in organoleptic (taste) testing of dairy products as part of overall quality evaluation and product release decisions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment by following sanitation, safety, and housekeeping practices.
• Follow standard operating procedures and quality protocols to ensure consistency and compliance across all testing activities.
• Collaborate with other technicians and plant personnel as needed when collecting samples and communicating test findings.
• Spend a portion of time in the production plant taking air samples and supporting environmental monitoring activities.

Essential Skills

• Quality-minded approach with strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing and documentation.
• Basic understanding of laboratory practices and procedures, or a demonstrated willingness to learn.
• Ability to perform pH testing, wet chemistry techniques, and basic microbiological testing, or learn these methods quickly.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and pipetting techniques to perform routine analyses.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and maintain consistent testing practices.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple tasks.
• Comfort consuming dairy products as part of organoleptic (taste) testing and product evaluation.
• Strong commitment to quality control and quality assurance principles.
• Effective communication skills to work closely with other technicians and share test results clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field such as Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or a similar discipline is preferred.
• Prior laboratory or quality experience is a plus but not required, making this role suitable for entry-level candidates.
• Experience or interest in quality control and quality assurance in a food or manufacturing setting.
• Willingness to work the required hours and adapt to production and testing schedules as needed.

Work Environment

This role is based primarily in a laboratory within a dairy manufacturing facility. Approximately 90% of your time is spent in the lab working alongside four other technicians in a cohesive, supportive, and easygoing team environment. The remaining 10% of your time is spent in the production plant, where you collect air samples and support environmental monitoring. You work closely with colleagues who value collaboration and mutual support, contributing to a positive and cohesive culture. The environment is fast-paced and production-driven, with regular interaction between the lab and plant areas. You will handle dairy products frequently and participate in taste testing as part of quality evaluations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of O Fallon, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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 O Fallon,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 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.