Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab TechnicianJob Description

The Lab Technician is responsible for performing daily evaluations and approvals of finished products, conducting process quality checks, and executing basic microbiological testing. The role includes equipment calibration, troubleshooting, and dilution calculations. This position involves conducting ingredient and packaging inspections, maintaining inventory control, and managing sample archives. The Lab Technician will perform laboratory tests, including solvent extraction, sieving, pH, protein, fiber, fat, ash, and microbiological plating, as well as testing raw ingredients and finished packaged products. Test results must be recorded accurately, and communication with operating departments and management is essential. The role requires performing in-process quality checks, collecting test samples, troubleshooting equipment, and performing mechanical maintenance. A clean, safe work environment is maintained through general lab clean-up, and tasks are performed with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily evaluations and approvals of finished products.
• Conduct process quality checks and basic microbiological testing.
• Calibrate equipment, troubleshoot issues, and calculate dilutions.
• Conduct ingredient and packaging inspections and maintain inventory control.
• Manage sample archives and perform laboratory tests.
• Record test results and communicate findings to relevant departments.
• Perform in-process quality checks and collect test samples.
• Troubleshoot equipment and perform mechanical maintenance.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory work environment.

Essential Skills

• 0-2 years of laboratory experience.
• Basic wet chemistry knowledge.
• Background in food manufacturing.
• Scientific mindset with a degree in chemistry or biology.
• Experience with lab testing, wet chemistry, pH testing, and sample testing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in working in a food facility.
• Manufacturing Background is a plus.

Work Environment

The Lab Technician will work in a small team of 3-5 people in a blue-collar work environment. The role involves basic testing and requires familiarity with food manufacturing. Primarily based in the masa lab, the technician will work closely with control operators for easy communication regarding process changes. There is also a significant amount of solo work in the main lab. The position requires working 12-hour shifts from 7 PM to 7 AM, following a rotating schedule of Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday one week, and Wednesday and Thursday the next. Initial training will occur during the day shift for the first 2-4 weeks, starting with Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, then transitioning to 12-hour day shifts before moving to nights.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Joseph, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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 Saint Joseph,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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.