About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Overview

This is an entry-level Lab Technician position supporting quality assurance (QA) and laboratory testing for food ingredient products at a confidential client in Bridgeton, MO. The role performs sensory, analytical, chemical, and physical tests on finished goods and incoming ingredients, helps investigate non-conformances, documents results in LIMS and other systems, and supports GMP and environmental monitoring activities. This is a Contract-to-Hire, fully onsite opportunity with clear pathways for growth in QA and production leadership.

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Key Responsibilities

• Perform sensory evaluations and a range of analytical, chemical, and physical tests on food ingredient products and finished goods according to specifications.
• Conduct sensory testing (including products with dairy) to assess taste, texture, appearance, and overall quality.
• Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment per calibration procedures and schedules.
• Identify, document, and investigate lots or batches that fail to meet specifications; support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Assist with complaint investigations by reviewing test data and supporting corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Create and review laboratory SOPs and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct daily GMP inspections, in-plant process audits, and environmental monitoring (swabbing equipment, rooms, drains).
• Collect, composite, label, and prepare samples for external microbiological testing.
• Record all test results accurately in LIMS and internal databases; create ingredient labels and support traceability.
• Release batches in systems after confirming products meet specifications and quality standards.
• Communicate quality status and findings to production and other departments; represent quality standards on the plant floor.
• Support production needs and adapt to changing priorities; may include extended shifts or occasional weekends.
• Perform physical tasks including standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, repetitive motions, and moving items up to 55 pounds while following PPE and safety guidelines.

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Required Qualifications

• High school diploma plus 1–2 years of experience in laboratory or quality roles within a manufacturing environment, OR a bachelor’s degree with laboratory exposure and hands-on experience (industrial or high-activity roles considered).
• Familiarity with basic laboratory procedures and quality control practices in a manufacturing or food environment.
• Ability to perform sensory testing (including dairy-containing products) and basic analytical, chemical, and physical testing.
• Experience calibrating and maintaining lab equipment per defined procedures.
• Proficiency documenting test results in LIMS or similar systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret data and recommend practical solutions.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision and collaborate with production teams.
• Physical ability to lift/move up to 55 lbs and perform prolonged standing and other physical tasks.
• Willingness to work onsite full time with flexibility for extended shifts or occasional weekend hours.
• No color blindness and no food allergies beyond peanut and fish/shellfish (necessary for accurate sensory and visual testing).

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Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Experience performing GMP inspections, internal audits, and environmental monitoring (swabs and composite sampling).
• Prior exposure to writing or reviewing laboratory SOPs and participating in continuous improvement projects.
• Hands-on experience with powdered products and processes that involve dairy blends.
• Previous experience in fast-paced, customer-facing, or labor-intensive roles (e.g., restaurant, manufacturing).
• Interest in building a long-term career in quality or production leadership.

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Work Environment

• Combined lab/test kitchen and food manufacturing plant environment.
• Typical plant conditions (hot, humid, or cooler areas in warehouse) while following PPE and safety procedures.
• Small, collaborative lab team working closely with supervisors, quality managers, and QA coordinators.
• Fully onsite role based in Bridgeton, MO.

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Job Type & Location

• Contract-to-Hire, Full-Time — fully onsite in Bridgeton, MO.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Pay range: $21.00 - $21.55 per hour. Actual pay depends on qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.
• If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include:
  • Medical, dental & vision
  • Critical illness, accident, and hospital plans
  • 401(k) retirement plan (pre-tax and Roth options)
  • Voluntary life & AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Transportation benefits
  • Employee assistance program
  • Paid time off (PTO), vacation or sick leave

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Legal & Compliance Notes

• This posting replaces any employer name in the source with "confidential client."
• Careertakes and our client are committed to lawful, non-discriminatory hiring. Reasonable accommodations are available — request details during the recruitment process.
• Use of AI: automated tools may assist with application review or resume screening; human decision-makers make final hiring choices.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.