Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician (GNS)

Job Description

This role focuses on performing quality assurance and quality control testing in a manufacturing plant laboratory, ensuring all products meet strict FDA and internal standards. The lab technician collects and analyzes liquid samples from production silos, documents results accurately, and supports continuous production by keeping samples within specification. This position offers the opportunity to develop technical expertise in analytical chemistry and lab instrumentation while contributing to a growing organization with potential for internal movement after one year.

Responsibilities

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

• Collect, label, and handle samples carefully to ensure integrity and traceability throughout the testing process.

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

• Verify that all test results remain within specified ranges and promptly identify and escalate any out-of-specification findings.

• Document all test results accurately with dates, signatures, and required details, ensuring complete and compliant records.

• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment to prevent contamination and support safe, efficient operations.

• Monitor and replenish laboratory supplies such as chemicals, pipettes, and other consumables to ensure continuous testing capability.

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

• Calibrate laboratory equipment daily and perform routine maintenance checks to ensure accurate and reliable measurements.

• Respond to phone calls from the dairy and various plant departments, providing timely updates and coordinating sample testing and release.

• Multitask effectively throughout the shift to manage multiple samples, tests, and documentation requirements simultaneously.

• Support quality assurance and quality control activities by performing inspections and analytical testing in line with established procedures.

• Use data entry systems to record, review, and verify laboratory and quality data.

• Collaborate with production and quality teams to ensure products and samples proceed through the process in specification and on schedule.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree (BS) in a technical science such as chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field.

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

• Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and analytical testing methods.

• Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control principles in a lab or manufacturing setting.

• Ability to perform tests such as pH, acidity, viscosity, and solid/fat percentage measurements.

• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and FDA-related standards.

• Strong documentation skills with the ability to accurately record and review quality standards and test results.

• Ability to perform titrations and other basic analytical chemistry techniques.

• Experience with data entry and maintaining accurate electronic or paper records.

• Ability to work safely in a plant and laboratory environment, including around machinery and forklifts.

• Strong multitasking skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining sample integrity and cleanliness in the lab.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or analytical chemistry.

• Experience in quality assurance, quality control, or inspection within a manufacturing or food production environment.

• Exposure to microbiology and laboratory-based microbiological testing.

• Comfort working with lab instrumentation and troubleshooting basic equipment issues.

• Ability to communicate effectively with production, quality, and other plant teams.

• Interest in long-term growth and internal movement within a growing organization.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite at a manufacturing facility and operates primarily on 3rd shift, typically from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Team members must remain flexible with their schedules based on production and staffing needs, including the potential for six-day workweeks and occasional 12-hour shifts (such as 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.). The role involves working in a plant environment with active production lines, machinery, and forklifts, as well as in a laboratory setting equipped with analytical instruments and standard lab equipment. The lab environment requires adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices and strict cleanliness standards to prevent contamination. Appropriate attire and personal protective equipment are required in both the plant and lab areas to support safety and compliance. The organization is growing and offers a culture that supports long-term development and the possibility of internal movement after successful completion of a one-year contract.

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 Oct 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 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.