Job Title: Quality Control Laboratory TechnicianJob DescriptionThe Quality Control Laboratory Technician ensures that all finished products meet strict quality and safety standards within a food processing and ingredients manufacturing environment. This role involves performing laboratory testing on raw materials and finished products, using a variety of analytical methods and instruments, and accurately documenting results to support quality assurance and regulatory compliance. The position primarily covers 2nd shift, with initial training on 1st shift and potential assignment to 2nd or 3rd shift based on operational needs.
Responsibilities
- Perform quality control testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure they meet established specifications and quality standards.
- Conduct laboratory analyses using wet chemistry, microbiology, and other analytical techniques relevant to food science and food ingredients.
- Measure and evaluate viscosity and other physical and chemical properties of materials and products as required.
- Use quality control analysis equipment and laboratory instruments accurately and safely, following standard operating procedures.
- Document test results clearly and accurately, and enter data into computer systems and databases for quality assurance and reporting purposes.
- Assist in quality assurance activities to support compliance with FDA regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Participate in raw materials testing to verify conformance to specifications and support quality assurance of incoming materials.
- Follow established laboratory, safety, and GMP protocols to maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work area.
- Communicate test results and any deviations or nonconformances to appropriate team members in a timely manner.
- Support continuous improvement efforts in quality control processes and laboratory practices.
- Climb ladders to access work platforms and sampling points as needed for testing and inspection.
- Lift and move materials, samples, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as part of routine laboratory and quality control activities.
Essential Skills
- High school diploma or GED with 12 years of related work experience in a laboratory, quality control, or similar environment.
- Ability to use quality control analysis equipment and laboratory instruments.
- Basic knowledge of food science, chemistry, microbiology, biology, or related scientific disciplines.
- Experience with wet chemistry techniques and laboratory analysis.
- Understanding of raw materials testing, quality control, and quality assurance practices.
- Familiarity with FDA regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a food or related manufacturing environment.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
- Strong mathematical skills to perform calculations and interpret numerical data.
- Computer skills and data processing abilities for recording, analyzing, and reporting test results.
- Ability to climb ladders to reach work platforms and sampling locations.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely as part of daily duties.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Associate or bachelors degree in food science, chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field is preferred.
- Hands-on experience in a food processing or food ingredients manufacturing setting.
- Experience working in a quality assurance or quality control laboratory.
- Familiarity with viscosity testing and interpretation of rheological data.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in testing and documentation.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced production environment.
- Willingness to work different shifts, including 2nd or 3rd shift, and occasional overtime as needed.
Work EnvironmentThis role operates within a quality assurance laboratory that supports a food processing and food ingredients manufacturing facility. The position involves hands-on quality assurance testing and analysis using laboratory equipment, wet chemistry methods, and other analytical tools. You will train on 1st shift (6:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.) and then move to the open shift of either 2nd or 3rd shift based on operational needs. The 2nd shift runs from 2:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the 3rd shift runs from 10:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, with occasional Friday work as needed. Some overtime into 12-hour shifts may be required, with advance notification. The environment requires climbing ladders to access work platforms and handling materials up to 50 pounds. You will work around food processing equipment and ingredients, following strict safety, sanitation, and GMP standards. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Horn Lake, MS. Pay and BenefitsThe 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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Horn Lake, MS. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Horn Lake,MS.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.