Lab Technician

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician works in both the analytical laboratory and the packaging laboratory on the factory floor to ensure the quality of a wide range of beverage products. This role focuses on quality control testing, sample management, and support of manufacturing operations, and is ideal for someone with a strong background in chemistry or a related science who enjoys hands-on lab work in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Work in both the analytical laboratory and the packaging laboratory located on the factory floor to support quality control activities.
• Perform quality control tests using techniques such as HPLC, GC, chromatography, titration, and pH testing to verify product specifications.
• Conduct microbiology and chemistry tasks as required to support product safety and quality.
• Collect samples from the production lines and packaging areas in a timely and accurate manner.
• Review paperwork and documentation for completeness and accuracy, ensuring all quality records meet internal standards.
• Manage quality holds by identifying, labeling, and tracking products that require further review or testing.
• Assist with quality issues on the manufacturing floor by investigating concerns, performing tests, and communicating findings to appropriate personnel.
• Adhere to all safety, quality, and laboratory protocols at all times, including proper handling of chemicals and samples.
• Complete comprehensive training in both the analytical and packaging laboratories and apply learned procedures consistently.
• Support continuous improvement in the quality department by following standardized work instructions and suggesting process enhancements where appropriate.
• Collaborate with trainers and experienced technicians during the training period to gain proficiency in all required laboratory methods and equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-documented work area in both laboratory environments.
• Be available to work overtime and assist with coverage when team members are absent or business demands increase.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with HPLC, GC, chromatography, and titration in a laboratory setting.
• Strong background in chemistry, biology, microbiology, and general laboratory techniques.
• Ability to perform pH testing and other routine analytical procedures accurately and consistently.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related science field such as Biology or Natural Science, including completion of laboratory coursework.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and standard operating procedures with strong attention to detail.
• Capability to work effectively in both analytical and packaging laboratories and to transition between lab and production floor environments.
• Strong documentation skills, including accurate completion and review of laboratory and quality paperwork.
• Willingness and availability to work any assigned shift and to work overtime as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience as a lab technician in a quality control or production environment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with beverage, food, or similar manufacturing processes is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks such as sampling, testing, and paperwork review.
• Comfort working with both chemistry and microbiology tasks in a production-support role.
• Ability to communicate clearly with production, quality, and other cross-functional teams when addressing quality issues.
• Flexibility to adapt to different schedules, including 2-2-3 shifts and Monday-Friday shifts, based on business needs and seniority.
• Motivation to grow within the quality department, with interest in internal promotion and potential transfers to other departments such as brewing or batching over time.

Work Environment

This role is based in a high-volume Quality Control laboratory that supports a large beverage manufacturing and bottling facility producing products such as energy drinks, hard seltzers, and beer. The quality lab operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Work is split between the analytical lab and the packaging lab on the factory floor. When assigned to the packaging lab, you will typically spend about 70% of your time in the lab and about 30% on the production floor collecting samples, reviewing paperwork, and managing quality holds. When working in the analytical lab, you will spend approximately 90% of your time in the lab and about 10% on the floor assisting with quality issues.

The facility runs multiple shift structures. Initially, training will last approximately 6-7 weeks in both the analytical and packaging labs, Monday-Friday from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. New hires first attend HR orientation during the first week, Monday-Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, then begin Quality training on Friday at 6:00 AM. Training typically includes 2-3 weeks in the analytical lab and 3-4 weeks in the packaging lab with experienced trainers.

After training, schedules will be a Monday-Friday shift (10:00 PM-6:00 AM) or if production dictates a 2-2-3 schedule (6:00 PM-6:00 AM). Shifts do not regularly rotate, but you may occasionally cover other shifts when needed. Shift assignments and future shift moves are based on seniority, and employees can move to other shifts as positions become available. Overtime is common, and availability to work extra hours is expected.

The environment combines laboratory work with time on an active manufacturing floor, requiring comfort around production equipment, packaging lines, and a fast-paced setting. The facility is a large, high-capacity co-packing operation with multiple can, glass, and other packaging lines, offering strong internal growth opportunities. The company promotes from within the quality department, and many leaders began as quality technicians. Employees may also have opportunities to transfer to other departments once they become full-time and gain experience.

The facility observes several holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and one floating holiday; however, work on holidays may be required depending on business needs. Standard laboratory and production-appropriate attire, including any required personal protective equipment, is expected in both the lab and on the factory floor.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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 Memphis,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.