Job Information
Actalent Laboratory Technician in Mundelein, Illinois
Job Title: Laboratory TechnicianJob Description
The Laboratory Technician supports the production and quality control of dietary supplements by performing laboratory tests, inspections, and documentation to ensure compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 111 regulations and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The role focuses on testing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products for identity, purity, strength, and composition using analytical techniques such as HPLC, FTIR, UV-Vis, wet chemistry, and microbiological methods. The Laboratory Technician maintains accurate laboratory records, calibrates and verifies instruments, prepares reagents, and assists in investigating non-conformances, while collaborating closely with Quality Assurance, Production, and R&D teams to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
Oversee day-to-day laboratory performance and ensure accurate and timely execution of laboratory processes.
Perform routine testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods to verify identity, purity, strength, and composition.
Develop clear and detailed work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory testing activities.
Ensure laboratory testing practices comply with Title 21 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including FDA 21 CFR Part 111 requirements.
Design, implement, and support the use of Quality Assurance programs within the laboratory.
Perform, analyze, and interpret microbiological tests, including yeast and mold analysis using appropriate instrumentation.
Perform, analyze, and interpret chemical and physical tests on incoming raw materials, batch samples, and finished products.
Conduct moisture testing on batch samples to support product quality and stability assessments.
Perform water activity testing on gummy samples to ensure product safety and shelf-life expectations.
Perform specific gravity testing on liquid samples to verify formulation and consistency.
Conduct monthly water testing to monitor and document water quality used in laboratory and production processes.
Support and perform shelf-life and stability testing, including contributing to the development and improvement of stability programs.
Prepare, review, and maintain technical documentation such as procedures, protocols, and test reports.
Document all testing activities and results accurately and completely in accordance with cGMP requirements, including maintaining daily and weekly logs and equipment record books.
Calibrate, verify, and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, following operating instructions and preventive maintenance schedules.
Troubleshoot equipment issues, coordinate repairs, and ensure that instruments remain in good working order.
Prepare reagents, solutions, and media as needed for testing activities.
Handle and arrange for the proper removal and disposal of biohazardous waste in accordance with safety procedures.
Send batch samples and finished goods to external laboratories for label claim testing when required.
Assist Research and Development (R&D) with testing activities for new or developing products.
Maintain general laboratory housekeeping, including cleaning work areas and ensuring an organized, safe, and compliant environment.
Clean, sterilize, and properly store laboratory glassware and equipment.
Monitor laboratory inventory, maintain adequate stock of supplies, place orders, and verify receipt of materials and reagents.
Review and evaluate test data, identify issues or trends, and select appropriate corrective actions when necessary.
Participate in group and project meetings, providing laboratory input and updates on testing activities.
Stay current with laboratory best practices and relevant scientific developments by participating in educational opportunities and reading technical publications.
Essential Skills
1–3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting.
Demonstrated experience working in a laboratory environment that follows cGMP or similar regulated quality systems.
Proficiency in laboratory documentation, including accurate recording of test results, maintenance logs, and equipment records.
Experience performing microbiological testing, including yeast and mold analysis using appropriate laboratory equipment.
Ability to read, understand, and write standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for laboratory processes.
Familiarity with FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), with the ability to learn and develop further expertise as needed.
Experience with general laboratory techniques such as wet chemistry and basic analytical testing.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing tests and documenting results.
Ability to interpret test data and apply logical problem-solving to identify and implement corrective actions.
Effective communication skills to collaborate with Quality Assurance, Production, and R&D teams.
Ability to follow regulatory and safety requirements, including FDA 21 CFR Part 111 and Good Manufacturing Practices.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience using HPLC, UV-Vis, and other analytical techniques in a quality control or research laboratory.
Prior involvement in developing or supporting shelf-life and stability testing programs.
Experience with technical writing, including drafting procedures, protocols, and laboratory reports.
Familiarity with ISO certification concepts and quality systems, with interest in supporting future ISO certification efforts.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workload, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Interest in continuous learning and professional development through training and technical literature.
Comfort working in a smaller team environment and collaborating across departments.
Work Environment
This is a first-shift, on-site laboratory role with a flexible start time between approximately 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., based on an 8.5-hour workday. The laboratory recently transitioned to in-house operations, and the Laboratory Technician will play a key role in getting the lab fully established and running efficiently, with a long-term goal of supporting future ISO certification. The work environment is collaborative and cross-functional, offering regular interaction with Quality Assurance, Production, and R&D teams, and providing opportunities to learn directly from experienced laboratory leadership. The setting emphasizes good work–life balance and professional growth within a growing organization. Work is performed in a regulated laboratory environment using instruments such as FTIR, microbiological testing equipment for yeast and mold, HPLC, UV-Vis, and various tools for moisture, water activity, specific gravity, and stability testing. The laboratory follows cGMP and FDA 21 CFR Part 111 requirements, with a strong focus on safety, cleanliness, and organized workflows.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mundelein, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/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 Mundelein,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.