Quality Control Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

The Quality Control Technician performs timely and accurate laboratory testing on production samples and raw materials to ensure products meet established specifications and quality standards. This role supports manufacturing by approving batches, maintaining detailed documentation, and assisting with R&D and regulatory activities. The position involves hands-on bench chemistry, operation and calibration of laboratory equipment, and regular interaction with the production floor in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform timely and accurate bench testing on production samples and assigned raw materials to verify conformance with current specifications.
• Conduct basic bench chemistry tests including pH, viscosity, moisture content, loss on drying (LOD), titrations (manual and automated), and related analyses.
• Carry out testing such as moisture, particle size, viscosity, pH, pre-fatty acid or softening tests, and color testing as required.
• Perform wet chemistry procedures, including Karl Fischer and titrations, following established methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Print and prepare red/R&D batch cards and container labels as needed to support production and development activities.
• Approve or reject batches based on test results and established specifications, and document decisions in the appropriate systems.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and organized records of all tests, results, calibrations, and batch approvals according to specified requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Input test data and batch information into proprietary computer systems and use standard office software for documentation and reporting.
• Standardize laboratory solutions and calibrate laboratory equipment according to SOPs to ensure reliable and consistent test results.
• Perform manual calibration on laboratory and production-related equipment, both inside and outside the lab, as needed.
• Go to the manufacturing floor to collect samples, calibrate machines and equipment, and support production quality needs.
• Use high-temperature ovens, hot plates, viscometers, and related laboratory instruments safely and effectively.
• Operate standard office equipment such as photocopiers and laser printers for documentation and labeling tasks.
• Conduct microbial testing involving bacteria as required by product or process specifications.
• Dispose of old samples and laboratory waste in compliance with established safety, environmental, and housekeeping guidelines.
• Process and address customer requirements related to product or shipment quality in coordination with internal teams.
• Support joint health and safety initiatives, quality programs, R&D projects, and regulatory activities as assigned.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, including cleaning glassware and equipment and performing general housekeeping.
• Adapt to fluctuating workloads by staying productive during slower testing periods, including assisting with cleaning and preparation tasks.
• Collaborate with other laboratory team members and maintain regular communication with the offsite manager through scheduled touchpoints.
• Be flexible in covering shifts when colleagues are absent and adjusting hours based on production needs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline such as Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related field (Chemistry preferred).
• Approximately 2 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing or similar laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience performing moisture, particle size, viscosity, pH, pre-fatty acid or softening tests.
• Proficiency in wet chemistry techniques, including Karl Fischer titrations and other manual and automated titration methods.
• Experience with basic bench chemistry, including pH measurement, viscosity determination, moisture content, and loss on drying (LOD).
• Practical experience operating laboratory equipment such as hot plates, viscometers, ovens, and related instruments.
• Ability to perform microbial testing with bacteria in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to read and write in English to follow procedures, document results, and communicate effectively.
• Computer skills, including experience with MS Office and the ability to learn and use proprietary laboratory or production software.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and basic understanding of ISO-related quality systems or documentation.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including covering shifts when needed and working varying hours based on production demands.
• Comfort working on the production floor around heavy industrial machinery and powders, and collecting samples in that environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing lab work, with intermittent periods of seated computer work.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy in testing and documentation, and adherence to SOPs and safety guidelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry or Associates of Science Degree
• 2 years of experience working in a manufacturing environment, particularly in chemical or industrial production
• Familiarity with ISO standards and quality systems is an advantage.
• Experience in a lab that supports joint health and safety, quality, R&D, and regulatory functions is a plus.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Joliet, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00/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 Joliet,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.