Lab Technician

About the role

The Lab Technician performs routine and non-routine analytical tests to support product quality, safety, and compliance in a food manufacturing environment. This role focuses on microbiological and chemical testing of food ingredients, accurate documentation, and adherence to quality systems such as GMP, HACCP, and quality control standards. The Lab Technician contributes to continuous improvement initiatives and supports cross-functional teams with reliable analytical data and technical insight.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine analytical tests using standard laboratory equipment to measure pH, moisture, temperature, weight, and microbiological safety of samples.
• Carry out microbiological analyses to help ensure product safety and compliance with established quality and regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of all test results and laboratory activities in accordance with GMP, SOPs, and HACCP requirements.
• Follow established laboratory procedures, quality assurance protocols, and quality control methods to ensure reliable and reproducible test results.
• Support cross-functional investigations by providing analytical data, documentation, and technical insight as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance testing methods, documentation practices, and laboratory workflows.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is used correctly, handled safely, calibrated as required, and maintained in good working condition.
• Adhere to all safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines while working in the laboratory.
• Conduct testing of food ingredients for quality assurance, including microbiological, chemical, and QA/QC inspections.
• Maintain organized laboratory records and documentation to support audits and compliance with food safety standards.

Requirements

• Experience performing analytical testing using standard laboratory equipment to measure pH, moisture, temperature, weight, and microbiological safety.
• Strong documentation skills with the ability to maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of test results and laboratory activities.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control practices in a laboratory or food manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of chemistry and laboratory techniques relevant to food testing.
• Experience working under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• HACCP experience and ability to follow HACCP requirements in daily laboratory activities.
• Skills in testing food ingredients for quality assurance, including microbiological and chemical analyses, QA/QC, and QA inspection.
• Skills in following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and established laboratory protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing reliable, reproducible test results.
• Ability to work effectively in a structured, safety-focused laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a food manufacturing environment or a science degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field; open to recent graduates.
• SQF (Safe Quality Food) experience preferred.
• Bilingual language skills are an asset but not required.
• Familiarity with quality assurance systems and food safety standards in the frozen and plant-based food industry.
• Interest in continuous improvement and willingness to contribute ideas to enhance laboratory methods and workflows.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a food manufacturing environment or a science degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field; open to recent graduates.
• SQF (Safe Quality Food) experience preferred.
• Bilingual language skills are an asset but not required.
• Familiarity with quality assurance systems and food safety standards in the frozen and plant-based food industry.
• Interest in continuous improvement and willingness to contribute ideas to enhance laboratory methods and workflows.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $20.00/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: Fully onsite position in Elmwood Park, NJ. Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.