Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job 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 internal and regulatory quality standards. This role combines hands-on laboratory analysis with on-the-floor production support, focusing on real-time quality decision-making, accurate documentation, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices. The technician supports continuous improvement in product quality, assists with investigations into quality issues or customer complaints, and contributes to a collaborative, friendly, and growth-oriented work environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily analytical testing on raw materials and finished products, including pH, moisture, salt content, titratable acidity, redox, and other quality metrics.
• Conduct physical testing of powder-based products, such as color evaluation, screen testing, loss on drying, and water analysis.
• Complete pre-operation and line audits to ensure compliance with GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and internal quality standards.
• Calibrate and verify laboratory equipment daily prior to performing any testing.
• Perform scale calibrations, metal detector checks, and packaging weight verifications during production runs.
• Collect product and raw material samples directly from the production floor and raw material storage areas.
• Verify proper lot coding, labeling, and packaging integrity for finished products before release.
• Document and log all test results accurately in SAP and Sample Manager systems, as well as in required paper records.
• Identify out-of-specification results, initiate re-sampling or re-testing, and place materials on hold when necessary.
• Conduct bake testing to evaluate product quality and support investigations related to customer complaints.
• Inspect production lines for cleanliness, proper ingredient usage, and adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Support the training and development of quality control team members as needed.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures while working in both laboratory and production areas.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to make timely, informed decisions on product quality and release.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 6+ months of experience in a professional laboratory environment performing analytical testing in any industry.
• Experience working in GMP- or GLP-regulated environments preferred.
• Hands-on experience with analytical testing such as pH, moisture, titratable acidity, redox, and related quality measurements.
• Familiarity with quality control, quality assurance, and laboratory best practices.
• Comfort working both in a laboratory setting and on the production floor.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent documentation skills for both electronic and paper records.
• Ability to identify out-of-specification results and follow defined procedures for re-testing and material hold.
• Basic proficiency with SAP or Sample Manager, or the ability to quickly learn these systems.
• Ability to follow GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and internal quality procedures consistently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using SAP or Sample Manager systems for sample management and data entry.
• in food, ingredients, or related process industries is a plus.
• Experience conducting physical testing on powder-based products, including screen testing and loss on drying.
• Familiarity with performing equipment calibrations such as scales, metal detectors, and laboratory instruments.
• Experience supporting investigations into customer complaints or product quality issues, including bake testing.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams on the production floor.
• Interest in career growth with opportunities for vertical advancement within quality or related functions.
• Motivation to contribute to a culture built on commitment, collaboration, and care.

Work Environment

This position follows a Monday–Friday schedule with a regular shift of 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and an initial training shift of Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The technician works alongside two other technicians on the evening shift and reports into a manager from the day shift. The role is a balanced mix of analytical laboratory testing and hands-on production support, with a strong emphasis on compliance, documentation accuracy, and real-time quality decision-making. The facility is a dusty environment due to powder-based raw materials and involves routine exposure to food allergens, including eggs, soy, sesame seeds, milk, and wheat. The organization emphasizes safety, quality, innovation, and performance, and fosters a friendly, fun culture grounded in commitment, collaboration, and care. Employees benefit from opportunities to advance vertically, gain experience in the food industry, and work with sustainable, science-based solutions in a global, technology-driven environment

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Totowa, NJ.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Totowa,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 ziprecruiter.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.