Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Quality Assurance Laboratory TechnicianJob Description This role combines hands-on laboratory testing with active involvement on the manufacturing floor to ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of food and dairy products. The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician works a 6:00 pm to 6:30 am shift on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule, spending most of the time on the production floor performing quality checks and microbiological evaluations, while also operating laboratory equipment to analyze raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods. The technician plays a key role in maintaining regulatory compliance and supporting continuous improvement in a modern, USDA-regulated facility. Responsibilities Work a 6:00 pm to 6:30 am shift on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule, adjusting to a weekly changing pattern of workdays and days off.Spend approximately 75% of the time on the manufacturing floor and 25% in the laboratory to support quality assurance activities.Begin each shift by checking emails and reviewing the daily task list to prioritize testing and floor activities.Swab machinery and equipment on the production floor to check for contamination and ensure sanitation standards are met.Perform antibiotic testing, run product and raw material samples, and conduct line checks to verify process control and product quality.Conduct microbiological evaluations of all raw, pasteurized, and final products according to established procedures.Operate laboratory equipment, including spectrometers, FTIR analyzers, moisture analyzers, and pH meters, to perform analytical tests.Perform daily quality audits and checks on the plant floor and document all findings accurately and promptly.Recognize unusual test results, trends, or product defects and immediately notify the Quality Assurance Lead, Quality Assurance Manager, and appropriate supervisors.Perform necessary re-checks for analytical and microbiological tests to confirm or clarify results.Conduct Total Solids and Moisture Analysis, powder tests for scorched particles and moisture, Whey Protein Nitrogen (WPN) tests, and bacterial tests including SPC, Coli, and LPC.Properly identify, label, and prepare outgoing samples for third-party testing to ensure traceability and accuracy.Lift 50-pound bags of raw materials and boxes multiple times per shift, typically 5 to 10 times, while following safe lifting practices.Frequently go up and down stairs and move between the laboratory and production floor to collect samples and perform checks.Communicate effectively with staff at all levels on the manufacturing floor to coordinate sampling, testing, and quality-related actions.Follow all quality assurance, food safety, and regulatory procedures to maintain compliance with USDA, FDA, and internal standards.Maintain a clean and organized work area in both the laboratory and production floor, adhering to hygiene and sanitation requirements.Understand the scientific principles behind the tests being run to interpret results and support troubleshooting and process improvements. Essential Skills Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related life science field, or equivalent relevant experience.Testing experience, including experience gained through college laboratory courses or projects.Laboratory experience, including college lab work, with familiarity in handling samples and using analytical equipment.Alternatively, food manufacturing experience with at least 5 of the last 10 years working in a quality assurance environment in the food industry.Knowledge of microbiology, biology, chemistry, and food science as they relate to food safety and quality.Ability to understand and apply the science behind laboratory tests and analytical methods.Experience or familiarity with quality assurance practices in food and dairy manufacturing environments.Ability to operate laboratory instruments such as spectrometers, FTIR analyzers, moisture analyzers, and pH meters.Capability to perform microbiological tests, including bacterial counts and related evaluations.Physical ability to lift 50-pound bags and boxes multiple times per shift and to frequently use stairs.Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, documentation, and sample identification.Effective communication skills to report findings and collaborate with supervisors and production staff.Willingness and ability to work night shifts (6:00 pm to 6:30 am) on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule. Additional Skills & Qualifications Preferred: At least 6 months of experience as a Quality Assurance Technician in a food manufacturing facility.Preferred: A degree in a life science discipline combined with hands-on quality assurance experience.Experience working with USDA and FDA regulated environments.Background in dairy, food manufacturing, or related industries.Familiarity with quality systems and audits in food production settings.Ability to work collaboratively in close-knit teams of approximately 4 to 5 people.Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, audits, and documentation requirements during a shift. Work Environment The role is based in a state-of-the-art, USDA-regulated laboratory and manufacturing facility. The technician spends roughly 25% of the time in the laboratory and 75% on the production floor, regularly moving between areas to collect samples and perform quality checks. The facility maintains high cleanliness standards; all employees must wash their hands and change shoes before entering designated areas. Locker rooms and showers are available on site to support hygiene requirements. The environment is collaborative, with close-knit teams typically consisting of 4 to 5 people working together on the same shift. Dress is casual, with a requirement to wear closed-toe shoes and comply with all safety and hygiene attire policies appropriate for a food manufacturing and laboratory setting. The position follows a night shift schedule from 6:00 pm to 6:30 am on a rotating 2-2-3 pattern, which provides a mix of workdays and regular days off. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Coopersville, MI. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $26.25 - $26.25/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 This is a fully onsite position in Coopersville,MI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 8, 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. 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.