Sterling Engineering · 22 hours ago
Quality Lab Lead
Elk Grove Village, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$70K/yr - $90K/yr
3+ years expSterling Engineering is seeking a hands-on and detail-oriented Quality Lab Lead to manage daily laboratory operations within a food manufacturing environment. This role oversees off-shift Quality Lab Technicians and ensures accurate execution of analytical testing while maintaining the integrity of laboratory procedures and quality systems.
ConsultingInformation Technology
Responsibilities
Oversee daily laboratory operations and act as the primary point of contact for analytical testing support
Train, mentor, and support laboratory technicians on testing methods, safety protocols, and documentation requirements
Supervise and evaluate off-shift laboratory staff and provide performance feedback
Perform laboratory technician duties during first-shift operations as needed
Conduct and review compositional testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products, including:
Fat analysis (e.g., Soxhlet extraction, Mojonnier method)
Salt analysis using silver nitrate (AgNO₃) titration
Moisture analysis using oven-drying methods and rapid moisture analyzers
Review, verify, and approve analytical results; investigate out-of-spec results and initiate corrective actions
Ensure laboratory instruments are properly calibrated, maintained, and troubleshot according to SOPs and manufacturer guidelines
Maintain laboratory cleanliness and oversee housekeeping of equipment, tools, and reusable supplies
Coordinate laboratory activities with production schedules to ensure timely testing and product release
Develop, update, and maintain laboratory SOPs and quality documentation in alignment with regulatory and internal standards (HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC, etc.)
Support internal audits and external inspections; prepare required documentation and responses
Assist with root cause analysis related to nonconforming results or customer complaints
Manage laboratory inventory, including reagents, standards, and consumables; coordinate purchasing and vendor interactions
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency, accuracy, and compliance
Support method validation, proficiency testing, and inter-laboratory comparisons as required
Perform additional duties as assigned by management
Qualification
Required
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
3-5 years of laboratory experience in a food manufacturing environment, including at least 1 year in a lead or supervisory role
Demonstrated proficiency with gravimetric, volumetric, and titrimetric analytical techniques
Hands-on experience performing fat analysis (Soxhlet, Mojonnier), salt analysis using AgNO₃ titration, and moisture analysis methods
Working knowledge of food safety and quality systems, including HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC, and GFSI standards
Familiarity with ISO 17025 principles, method validation, proficiency testing, and inter-laboratory comparisons
Experience calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and laboratory information or data management systems
Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
Ability to lead, train, and mentor laboratory staff across multiple shifts
Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Production, and Operations teams
Strong time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
401k
Company
Sterling Engineering
Sterling Engineering is an engineering company providing technical recruitment and engineering project services.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Sterling Engineering has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (6)
2023 (3)
2022 (1)
2020 (5)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Dolores Connolly
CEO
Recent News
Hartford Business Journal
2025-01-28
Hartford Business Journal
2024-12-20
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