Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician plays a key role in quality assurance and quality control by collecting and testing liquid samples in a manufacturing plant environment. This position focuses on ensuring products meet strict specifications and regulatory standards through careful sample handling, laboratory testing, documentation, and equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Navigate the plant environment safely to obtain liquid samples from silos, following FDA and plant standards while maintaining awareness of machines, forklifts, and other equipment.

• Collect samples in accordance with established procedures to ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of all materials tested.

• Perform laboratory tests on samples using lab equipment and instruments, including measurements of pH, acidity, freezing point, viscosity, and solid/fat percentages.

• Verify that all test results fall within specified ranges and promptly report any deviations from product specifications.

• Carefully document all tests, results, dates, and signatures in lab records and systems to maintain complete and accurate quality documentation.

• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling of chemicals and samples.

• Monitor and replenish laboratory supplies such as chemicals, pipettes, and other consumables to support continuous operations.

• Follow FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and internal plant standards at all times in both the lab and production areas.

• Calibrate laboratory instruments and equipment daily and perform other routine maintenance tasks to ensure accurate and reliable test results.

• Receive and respond to phone calls from the dairy area and various parts of the plant, providing timely information and support related to product quality and sample status.

• Multitask throughout the shift to manage sampling, testing, documentation, and communication activities, ensuring products and samples can proceed in production on time and within specification.

• Support quality assurance and quality control processes, including inspection and analytical testing, to uphold product safety and quality.

• Perform data entry of test results and quality information into laboratory or plant systems with a high degree of accuracy.

• Collaborate with production and quality teams to address issues identified during testing and help maintain continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a technical science discipline such as chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field.

• At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience in quality assurance and quality control within a production or laboratory setting.

• Ability to document, review, and interpret quality standards and test results accurately.

• Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and testing methods, including pH measurement, acidity testing, titration, viscosity analysis, and solid/fat percentage determination.

• Working knowledge of chemistry, analytical chemistry, and basic laboratory techniques.

• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and FDA standards applicable to food or related manufacturing.

• Ability to perform data entry with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong multitasking skills to manage multiple samples, tests, and communications throughout the shift.

• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing plant environment, maintaining awareness around machinery and forklifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in biology or microbiology and familiarity with microbiological concepts used in quality control.

• Experience in inspection activities within a manufacturing or laboratory environment.

• Comfort working with laboratory equipment and instrumentation in a fast-paced production setting.

• Strong organizational skills for maintaining a clean, well-stocked, and compliant laboratory.

• Effective communication skills for interacting with production, dairy, and other plant departments.

• Interest in long-term growth and internal movement within the organization after the initial contract period.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite at a manufacturing facility in Elma, working within both laboratory and plant areas. The environment includes active production lines, silos, and equipment such as machines and forklifts, requiring consistent attention to safety and adherence to FDA and plant standards. The laboratory is equipped with instruments for analytical testing, including pH meters, titration equipment, and other quality control tools, and requires maintaining a clean and organized space to prevent contamination. The primary schedule is 3rd shift from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., with the expectation of flexibility based on production and staffing needs. There may be periods of 6-day work weeks and occasional 12-hour shifts, which could run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m, depending on operational requirements. The work setting supports long-term growth opportunities within the organization after the initial contract period.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.25 - $23.25/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 Elma,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 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.