Quality Lab Technician

The Quality Lab Technician performs hands-on quality control testing in a production-focused laboratory, ensuring that all batches meet established specifications before and during filling. This role is primarily lab-based with some time spent on the production floor, working closely with operations to verify product quality, make necessary adjustments, and support the overall efficiency of the Quality Department.

• Conduct all prescribed testing of production batches in accordance with established test methods and quality control procedures.
• Perform quality tests including, but not limited to, color, gloss, viscosity, and physical property measurements on inks, paints, and coatings.
• Determine and implement appropriate adjustments required to bring products into defined quality specifications.
• Verify that all production batches meet established specifications and required color limits prior to filling.
• Confirm that products remain within specification at the time of filling and approve final fill check panels for production.
• Prepare fill check panels and provide approvals for filling in coordination with the Quality team.
• Accurately document batch adjustments, fill checks, and related test results on batch tickets and other required records.
• Follow all ISO procedures and quality system requirements while performing laboratory and floor activities.
• Collaborate with Quality leadership on various short-term projects aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Quality Department.
• Periodically transfer hazardous wastes such as filters, rags, scrap paint, and solvents to the designated satellite hazardous waste area in compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Ensure proper labeling of hazardous waste containers as part of routine job functions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work station and retain storage areas within the laboratory.
• Pull samples from production when needed and communicate with production team members if test results indicate potential issues.
• Apply basic math skills, including working with percentages and fractions, when calculating adjustments and interpreting test data.
• Actively ask questions, engage with team members, and contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.

• 1–2 years of experience in a quality control laboratory environment, preferably within inks, paints, or coatings.
• Hands-on experience performing wet chemistry or similar laboratory testing focused on color, gloss, viscosity, and physical properties.
• Ability to conduct precise color matching and evaluate color differences within defined limits.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, documentation, and batch adjustment calculations.
• Basic math proficiency, including working confidently with percentages and fractions.
• Comfort working with hazardous materials and following established safety protocols.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple batches, tests, and documentation requirements simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills to interact with production and quality team members regarding test results and product status.
• Ability to work primarily in a laboratory setting with some time spent on the production floor.
• Capability to follow ISO procedures and adhere to structured quality control processes.

• Quality control or quality assurance experience in an industry related to inks, paints, or coatings is preferred but not required.
• Experience in production environments and familiarity with pulling samples from manufacturing lines.
• Knowledge of colors and color theory sufficient to support accurate color matching and evaluation.
• Annual RCRA training requirement for handling and transferring hazardous waste materials.
• Outgoing, curious mindset with a willingness to ask questions and learn from team members.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy production environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Interest in contributing to continuous improvement projects within the Quality Department.

This position is approximately 90% laboratory-based and 10% on the production floor. You will work with hazardous materials, including paints, solvents, and related chemical products, while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as lab glasses. Typical attire includes button-up shirts and pants suitable for a laboratory and production setting. The role is on second shift, running from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional optional weekend work during busy periods. The environment is fast-paced and production-driven, and quality team members regularly go out to the floor to pull their own samples and communicate directly with production staff when results are off-spec. The company culture emphasizes a supportive, family-oriented atmosphere with an awesome team and positive environment, and offers attractive benefits, including a retirement plan with a company match and generous time off. Candidates should be comfortable working around hazardous materials, moving between lab and production areas, and engaging with colleagues in a collaborative, team-focused setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elk Grove Village, IL.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Elk Grove Village,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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 [email protected] 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.