Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab TechnicianJob 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 Paterson, NJ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $20.00/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 Paterson,NJ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 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.