Lab Technician

Job Description Job Title: Lab Technician 2nd Shift Job Description The Lab Technician performs routine and non-routine analytical testing to support product safety, quality, and compliance within a food manufacturing environment. This role focuses on conducting microbiological and chemical analyses, maintaining accurate documentation in line with GMP, SOPs, and HACCP requirements, and supporting cross-functional teams with reliable analytical data. The Lab Technician also contributes to continuous improvement initiatives and ensures all laboratory activities align with established quality assurance and regulatory standards. Responsibilities Perform routine and non-routine analytical tests using standard laboratory equipment to measure pH, moisture, temperature, weight, and microbiological safety of samples. Carry out microbiological analyses to help ensure product safety and compliance with established quality and food safety standards. Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of all test results and laboratory activities in accordance with GMP, SOPs, and HACCP requirements. Follow established laboratory procedures and quality assurance protocols to ensure reliable, reproducible, and compliant test results. Support cross-functional investigations by providing analytical data, documentation, and technical insight as needed. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance testing methods, documentation practices, and laboratory workflows. Ensure laboratory equipment is used correctly, handled safely, calibrated as needed, and maintained in good working condition. Adhere to all safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines while working in the laboratory and production support areas. Conduct QA and QC testing on food ingredients and products, including microbiological, chemical, and quality inspection activities. Collaborate with quality assurance and quality control teams to support compliance with internal and external standards, including HACCP and related programs. Essential Skills Demonstrated ability to conduct routine and non-routine analyses using standard laboratory equipment to measure pH, moisture, temperature, weight, and microbiological safety. Experience with analytical testing, documentation, quality assurance, and quality control in a laboratory setting. Knowledge of chemistry and laboratory practices relevant to food manufacturing and ingredient testing. Understanding and practical experience with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). HACCP experience and the ability to apply HACCP principles in daily testing and documentation activities. Skills in testing food ingredients and products for QA, including microbiological and chemical analyses, QA/QC, and QA inspection. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording and maintaining test results and laboratory records. Ability to follow SOPs, laboratory procedures, and quality assurance protocols consistently. Effective communication skills to provide clear analytical data and technical insight to cross-functional teams. Ability to work on a fixed second-shift schedule. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in a food manufacturing environment or a science degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field; open to recent graduates. SQF experience preferred, including familiarity with SQF requirements and documentation. Bilingual skills are an asset but not required. Interest in working within the frozen food, plant-based, and health-conscious product categories. Willingness to participate in continuous improvement initiatives and adapt to evolving laboratory methods and quality programs. Work Environment This position is based in a laboratory within a food manufacturing facility that specializes in frozen and plant-based, health-conscious products. The role operates on a second-shift schedule, Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The environment involves working with standard laboratory equipment for chemical and microbiological testing, following GMP, HACCP, and quality assurance protocols. The Lab Technician works closely with quality and production teams to support ongoing manufacturing operations and product testing. The facility supports a well-established brand with more than 30 years in the frozen food industry and continues to grow within categories that experience strong consumer demand. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Elmwood Park, NJ. #J-18808-Ljbffr