Lab Technician

Responsibilities

• Perform testing using Near Infra-red methods, acidity tests, sink work, and other microbial testing and environmental sampling to monitor product quality and safety.
• Prepare solutions and media required for laboratory testing, ensuring proper formulation, labeling, and handling.
• Sterilize laboratory equipment as needed to maintain aseptic conditions and prevent contamination.
• Conduct butterfat and total solids tests on fluid milk, cream, condensed and sweetened condensed milk, and powdered products using the appropriate testing equipment.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records of samples, test results, and lab quality control measures in accordance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Certify that finished products are suitable for sale by verifying that they meet established government and customer specifications.
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and proper housekeeping within the laboratory, maintaining the integrity of all testing results.
• Evaluate incoming truck shipments for acceptance based on established criteria and document findings.
• Enter data accurately into computer systems and generate requested reports for internal stakeholders.
• Follow all laboratory safety, quality, and operational procedures to support consistent and reliable testing.
• Collaborate with quality and production teams to communicate testing results and support continuous improvement in product quality.

Requirements

• Experience performing laboratory testing in a food, biology, or microbiology setting.
• Knowledge of food science, microbiology, or related scientific disciplines.
• Ability to perform Near Infra-red testing, acidity tests, butterfat testing, total solids testing, and other analytical procedures after training.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing tests and recording results.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and report generation.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Food Science, or a related field OR at least one year of experience in food manufacturing as a technician or in quality.
• Degree in Biology, Food Science, or another related field at the Associate or Bachelor level is preferred.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality control practices and documentation.
• Comfort working with dairy or other food products in a laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, samples, and documentation simultaneously.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and standard operating instructions.
• Willingness to learn new testing methods and laboratory techniques.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Food Science, or a related field OR at least one year of experience in food manufacturing as a technician or in a quality role may substitute for a degree.
• Degree in Biology, Food Science, or another related field at the Associate or Bachelor level is preferred.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality control practices and documentation.
• Comfort working with dairy or other food products in a laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, samples, and documentation simultaneously.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and standard operating instructions.
• Willingness to learn new testing methods and laboratory techniques.

Skills

• Experience performing laboratory testing in a food, biology, or microbiology setting.
• Knowledge of food science, microbiology, or related scientific disciplines.
• Ability to perform Near Infra-red testing, acidity tests, butterfat testing, total solids testing, and other analytical procedures after training.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing tests and recording results.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and report generation.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality control practices and documentation.
• Comfort working with dairy or other food products in a laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, samples, and documentation simultaneously.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and standard operating instructions.
• Willingness to learn new testing methods and laboratory techniques.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical and Prescription Plans, Dental and Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Financial Security and Retirement: 401(k) Plan with company match.
• Life Insurance: Company-paid and supplemental life insurance options.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage to protect income.
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): Additional coverage options for accidental injury or death.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Vacation: Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Parental Leave: Maternity and paternity leave options.
• Flexible Schedules: Opportunities for flexible hours or working from home, depending on the role.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continuing education.
• Employee Discounts: Perks such as discounts on travel, car rentals, and entertainment.
• Voluntary Benefits: Partnership with Aflac, Allstate, and MetLife for supplemental coverage, including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, and legal services.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $44,720.00 - $44,720.00/yr.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment within a food manufacturing facility. The Lab Technician primarily works in the lab performing tests and pulling samples from production. The role requires flexibility for 12-hour shifts when needed and is scheduled primarily on third shift, typically from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 8:00 a.m., with a rotating schedule of four days on and two days off. The position requires a strong work ethic and consistent commitment, with an expectation of working no less than 40 hours per week and regular availability of at least 10 hours of overtime. The environment involves working around laboratory equipment, food products, and computer systems, following safety and cleanliness standards.

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.