Job Information
Actalent Quality Lab Technician in West Chicago, Illinois
Job Title: Quality Laboratory Technician
Job Description
The Quality Laboratory Technician performs incoming and in-process quality acceptance testing to ensure that raw materials and production mixes meet established standards. This role independently conducts a variety of laboratory tests, monitors instruments and processes, compiles and reviews test data, and communicates quality issues to quality leadership and production teams. The position also supports audits and non-conforming material investigations, contributing directly to product reliability and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
Perform incoming and in-process quality acceptance testing on raw materials and production mixes according to established procedures.
Go into the production area to collect samples of raw materials and mixes and return them to the lab for testing.
Conduct a range of laboratory tests, including tensile tests, acetone tests, humidity tests, freezer tests, sieve tests, hardness testing, and dimensional inspections.
Perform additional testing such as pH and viscosity measurements to verify that materials meet required specifications.
Monitor laboratory instruments and processes used in test procedures to ensure they operate correctly and consistently.
Compile test data accurately, maintain organized records, and ensure documentation is complete and traceable.
Review test results, identify deviations or non-conformances, and promptly communicate any quality issues to quality management and production teams.
Participate in internal and external quality audits as needed, providing test records, data, and explanations of methods.
Complete non-conforming material reports and support investigations to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions.
Follow all established quality, safety, and testing protocols while working independently in the laboratory.
Collaborate with production personnel when collecting samples and conducting tests outside of the lab.
Use MS Word and Excel to document, analyze, and report test results and quality findings.
Support continuous improvement of test methods and procedures by providing feedback on test performance and recurring quality issues.
Be available and willing to work overtime as required to meet production and testing demands.
Essential Skills
2–5 years of experience in quality lab testing or a closely related laboratory testing role.
Hands-on experience with tensile testing of materials.
Experience with raw material testing in a production or manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in performing dimensional inspections and hardness testing.
Experience conducting humidity testing and sieve testing.
Ability to perform pH and viscosity testing accurately and consistently.
Strong quality testing and lab testing skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work independently in a laboratory setting while following established procedures.
Proficiency with MS Word and MS Excel for data entry, documentation, and reporting.
Ability to communicate clearly with quality management and production teams regarding test results and quality issues.
Willingness and ability to work overtime as required.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience using SAP or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is preferred.
Prior experience conducting freezer tests, acetone tests, and other environmental or chemical tests is beneficial.
Familiarity with non-conforming material reporting and quality investigations is an advantage.
Comfort working both in a laboratory and in a production environment for sample collection and testing.
Interest in long-term, stable employment in a quality-focused organization.
Alignment with values such as entrepreneurship, passion, reliability, responsibility, and technological excellence.
Work Environment
This position operates primarily in a quality laboratory where you work independently, performing tests and documenting results. The role also requires regular trips to the production area to collect samples and conduct some testing outside of the lab.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of West Chicago, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $28.85/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 West Chicago,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 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.