Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician supports the manufacture of dairy-related products by performing laboratory testing on production and finished product samples to determine compliance with regulatory requirements and internal quality standards. This role ensures customer, team member, and vendor satisfaction by accurately conducting microbiological, chemical, and sensory analyses, releasing compliant product, and maintaining rigorous sanitation and documentation practices within a fast-paced quality control environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing on production samples and finished product samples to determine compliance with FDA and state regulations as well as internal quality standards.

• Conduct and evaluate product testing results and determine whether products meet established specifications and standards.

• Release compliant product from hold status using the computerized inventory management system.

• Inspect and verify the sanitary condition of processing lines, fillers, tanks, and overall production areas, including ATP swabbing and visual inspections.

• Validate vitamin additions and batching sheets for processing departments to ensure accurate formulation and compliance.

• Conduct microbiological analyses, chemical analyses, and sensory testing for finished products, in-process materials, and incoming ingredients according to laboratory and operations schedules.

• Perform bacteria and shelf-life testing on fresh and stressed samples and document results accurately.

• Maintain laboratory logbooks and Product Hold/Disposition Logs for the assigned shift, updating entries and following up on product as needed.

• Log and send Certificates of Analysis (COAs) as testing is completed, ensuring timely and accurate communication of results.

• Complete Titratable Acidity (TA) tests using all required methods and record results in appropriate systems.

• Conduct allergen testing as required and report findings promptly to relevant stakeholders.

• Perform sterile sampling of tanks and report results in a timely manner to support product safety and quality decisions.

• Complete and report product testing using tally sheets and Product Testing Records, including microbiological reports.

• Perform cryoscope testing on milk products to verify product integrity and compliance.

• Verify that product labeling is accurate and compliant with applicable requirements.

• Conduct EQA (external quality assessment) testing as required and support continuous quality improvement initiatives.

• Complete shelf-life sensory testing and participate in annual sensory training to maintain evaluation skills.

• Perform butterfat and solids testing using appropriate laboratory equipment and methods.

• Conduct product sterility testing on samples received into the laboratory and document results.

• Utilize the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) to enter, verify, and track analytical, sensory, and microbiological data.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and laboratory equipment, adhering strictly to sanitation practices.

• Communicate openly and effectively with other members of the Quality Control team and plant personnel, including clear communication between shifts and departments.

• Support SQF (Safe Quality Food) requirements by maintaining food safety and food quality standards and reporting food safety problems and initiating corrective actions as needed.

• Work safely at all times, promptly report safety concerns to supervisors or leads, and take corrective actions to ensure a safe environment.

• Achieve assigned goals related to production, safety, quality, performance, and cost in the laboratory and production support areas.

• Notify appropriate personnel of mechanical malfunctions to improve productivity and equipment capabilities and help identify opportunities for operators to assist in resolving concerns.

• Comply with GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and all corporate and plant policies, rules, and regulations.

• Provide assistance and support to all areas in the production facility as assigned, and build competence on key production areas such as fillers, forklifts, and production lines.

• Gain competence in line circuits and learn to verify proper hookups are made within the facility.

• Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned by supervisors or leads.

• Ensure work areas are sanitary and adhere strictly to all sanitation practices and standards.

• Report food safety issues and support food safety and food quality programs through accurate testing and documentation.

• Report to work at scheduled times and communicate tardiness or absences to the appropriate supervisor or manager in advance whenever possible.

• Report to work in a condition fit to perform all job duties safely and effectively.

• Comply with performance criteria, standards of conduct, and responsibilities as outlined in company policies and procedures.

• Maintain a safe work environment at all times, immediately report safety concerns, and take appropriate action to correct hazards.

• Complete all assigned tasks and responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner.

Essential Skills

• Ability to apply basic to complex mathematical concepts, including addition, counting, subtraction, multiplication, division, and knowledge of weights and measures, to handle job duties and respond appropriately to inquiries.

• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a level sufficient to perform all job functions, including interpreting technical information and documentation.

• Understanding of the organization's mission, purpose, and goals, and the ability to recognize how the role contributes to achieving them.

• Ability to operate facility equipment as required in assigned areas, including production and laboratory equipment.

• Capability to satisfactorily complete all required company training programs.

• Ability to interpret company documents, internal literature, and UPC/code information accurately.

• Minimum of a GED or High School Diploma.

• Associates degree in dairy or food sciences, or equivalent education, highly preferred.

• 1–2 years of experience in a similar food industry laboratory setting, highly preferred.

• Knowledge of and ability to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Basic knowledge of quality control principles, chemistry, biology, and dairy processing.

• Ability to work morning, afternoon, and overnight hours based on assigned shift, including back-half nights.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a dairy or food processing environment is highly advantageous.

• Familiarity with quality control practices and regulatory requirements related to dairy processing and food safety.

• Comfort working with computerized inventory management systems and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, documentation, and recordkeeping.

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with quality control team members, production staff, and other departments.

• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple testing activities according to laboratory and operations schedules.

• Willingness to participate in ongoing training, including annual sensory evaluation training and internal compliance training.

• Ability to follow detailed procedures and adapt to evolving quality and safety standards.

Work Environment

This role operates within a dairy production and quality control laboratory environment that supports the manufacture of dairy-related products. The position is scheduled for back-half nights, typically Wednesday through Saturday from approximately 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., and may require morning, afternoon, or overnight availability on other days based on operational needs. The Lab Technician works in both laboratory and production areas, using a variety of analytical and testing equipment, computerized inventory systems, and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to manage data and product holds. The environment requires strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices, sanitation standards, and food safety protocols. Team members maintain clean and sanitary work areas and frequently collaborate with production personnel and other departments. Attire must be business- and position-appropriate and compliant with GMP dress code standards, including any required protective gear, to ensure safety and product integrity. The facility emphasizes a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement, with clear expectations for punctuality, professionalism, and adherence to company policies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of East Syracuse, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.50 - $24.50/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 East Syracuse,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.