Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Laboratory Technician
Job Description

The Laboratory Technician conducts analytical testing of vegetable oils and related products to ensure they meet quality, safety, and production standards. This role supports plant operations by performing timely testing on production, inbound, outbound, and process samples, maintaining accurate documentation, and promptly communicating quality concerns. The Laboratory Technician collaborates closely with production, quality, and operations teams in a fast-paced manufacturing and laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing of vegetable oils and related products in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prioritize and analyze samples from production, processing, inbound and outbound truck shipments, and railcar deliveries to support continuous operations.
• Conduct sensory evaluations, including tasting product samples, to assess quality, consistency, and adherence to specifications.
• Perform packaging line quality assurance checks and inspections to verify product integrity and packaging standards.
• Communicate test results and quality concerns to management when corrective actions are required to maintain product quality and safety.
• Complete laboratory testing records, reports, and documentation accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring traceability and compliance.
• Conduct finished product and incoming raw material testing to verify compliance with established specifications and quality standards.
• Perform routine laboratory cleaning activities and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections to maintain a safe and compliant work area.
• Maintain retention samples, including proper labeling, storage, and organization to support future reference and investigations.
• Learn and implement new testing methods, procedures, and quality protocols as required to support continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of laboratory processes, equipment, and procedures to ensure reliable and consistent testing.
• Attend required safety, compliance, and operational training sessions to stay current with regulatory and company requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and participate in onsite meetings to support departmental and plant-wide objectives.
• Assist other departments as needed to support plant operations and ensure smooth workflow across functions.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support overall laboratory and plant performance.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety procedures, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately document test results and maintain clear records.
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with data entry for laboratory and quality systems.
• Strong communication and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and share information effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage time effectively under changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to perform sensory evaluations, including tasting products, as part of the quality assessment process.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout the workday, including occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing and laboratory environment while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Foundational knowledge or experience in quality control, laboratory practices, wet chemistry, biology, chemistry, or quality assurance.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or a related scientific field.
• Previous experience in a laboratory, quality control, or food manufacturing environment.
• Experience performing analytical testing and interpreting laboratory results for process and product decisions.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), or other food safety programs.
• Experience working in edible oils, food processing, or manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of laboratory instruments, testing methods, and quality assurance procedures.
• Experience with sample management, retention programs, and laboratory documentation systems.
• Ability to identify trends in test data, troubleshoot quality issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement in laboratory processes and quality systems.

This role operates in a combined manufacturing and laboratory setting within a fast-paced production facility. The work environment involves managing multiple priorities and deadlines while supporting ongoing plant operations. The Laboratory Technician works around food-grade materials, production equipment, and laboratory chemicals consistent with standard testing procedures. The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting, as well as the ability to taste products as part of sensory evaluations. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and may include items such as lab coats, safety glasses, gloves, and other protective gear appropriate for both laboratory and manufacturing areas. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and participation in regular safety and compliance training.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nashville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/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 Nashville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 14, 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 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.