Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Quality Control Laboratory TechnicianJob Description The Quality Control Laboratory Technician performs daily analytical and physical testing on raw materials and finished powder-based products to ensure they meet strict quality and regulatory standards. This role combines hands-on laboratory analysis with production floor support, including equipment calibration, sampling, documentation, and real-time quality decision-making. The technician plays a key role in maintaining compliance with GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and internal quality programs while contributing to a collaborative and growth-oriented culture within the food industry. Responsibilities Perform daily analytical testing on raw materials and finished products, including pH, moisture, salt content, titratable acidity, redox measurements, and other defined quality metrics.Conduct physical testing of powder-based products, such as color evaluation, screen testing, loss on drying, and water analysis, to verify product specifications.Complete pre-operation and production line audits to ensure compliance with GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and internal quality and food safety standards.Calibrate and verify laboratory equipment each day prior to use to ensure accurate and reliable test results.Perform scale calibrations, metal detector checks, and packaging weight verifications during production runs to maintain process control and product integrity.Collect representative samples directly from the production floor and raw material storage areas in accordance with sampling procedures.Verify proper lot coding, labeling, and packaging integrity of finished products to support traceability and customer requirements.Document and log all analytical and physical test results in SAP and Sample Manager systems, as well as maintain accurate and complete paper records.Identify out-of-specification results, initiate re-sampling and re-testing as needed, and place materials or products on hold in accordance with quality procedures.Conduct bake testing and other application-based evaluations related to product quality, performance, or customer complaints.Inspect production lines for cleanliness, proper ingredient usage, and adherence to quality and sanitation standards.Support the training and development of quality control team members by sharing knowledge of procedures, equipment, and best practices when needed.Follow all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures while working in both the laboratory and production areas.Collaborate with production and quality teams to make timely, data-driven decisions that protect product quality and food safety.Contribute to a culture of commitment, collaboration, and care by communicating effectively and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. Essential Skills Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a closely related scientific discipline.Minimum of 6+ months of experience in a professional laboratory environment performing analytical testing in any industry.Hands-on experience with basic analytical techniques such as pH measurement, moisture analysis, titration, and related methods.Ability to perform physical testing of powder-based products, including color assessment, screen testing, and loss on drying.Strong familiarity with quality control and quality assurance principles in a manufacturing or processing environment.Comfort working both in a laboratory setting and on the production floor, including direct interaction with production equipment and processes.Experience working in GMP- or GLP-regulated environments is preferred.SAP or Sample Manager system experience is preferred for data entry and sample tracking.High level of attention to detail with strong documentation and record-keeping skills.Ability to identify out-of-specification results and follow established procedures for re-sampling, re-testing, and product hold.Understanding of food safety and regulatory frameworks such as GMP, FSMA, and HACCP.Capability to follow safety, environmental, and quality policies consistently in a dusty, allergen-containing environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with quality control in the food industry or other regulated manufacturing environments is an advantage.Knowledge of quality assurance, QC methodologies, and analytical chemistry or biology techniques.Familiarity with SAP, Sample Manager, or similar sample management and ERP systems.Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tests and documentation requirements simultaneously.Effective communication skills to collaborate with laboratory colleagues and production teams.Willingness to support training and mentoring of other quality control technicians.Interest in building a long-term career with opportunities for vertical advancement.Motivation to work in a friendly, fun, and collaborative culture where commitment, collaboration, and care are core values.Adaptability to work in both office-style laboratory settings and on active production lines. Work Environment This position operates on an evening shift schedule from Monday to Friday, 1:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with no weekend work. The training period follows a Monday to Friday schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role is a blend of analytical laboratory testing and hands-on production support, with a strong emphasis on compliance, thorough documentation, and real-time quality decision-making. You will work alongside two other technicians on the evening shift and collaborate closely with the day shift team. The facility processes powder-based raw materials, resulting in a dusty environment, and there is regular exposure to common food allergens including eggs, soy, sesame seeds, milk, and wheat. The workplace focuses on safety, quality, innovation, and performance, supported by modern laboratory and production equipment and systems such as SAP and Sample Manager. The culture emphasizes commitment, collaboration, and care, offering opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a global, sustainability-focused food and ingredients organization. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Totowa, NJ. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/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 This is a fully onsite position in Totowa,NJ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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.