QA Lab Technician - 2nd Shift

Quality Assurance Lab Technician

Recent food science grads wanted!

2nd Shift times:

11am-7:30pm

1pm-9:30pm

5pm-1:30am

Job Description

The Quality Assurance Lab Technician performs microbiological, chemical, and physical testing on raw materials, in-process products, environmental samples, and finished goods to ensure they meet food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This role supports production operations by conducting laboratory analyses, documenting results accurately, and contributing to GMP, HACCP, FSMA, and SQF programs. The technician partners closely with production and other operational teams to maintain consistent product quality and support a safe, compliant food manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological, chemical, and physical testing on raw materials, in-process products, environmental samples, and finished products in accordance with established procedures.
• Collect and prepare samples following defined sampling plans and protocols.
• Accurately document laboratory results, maintain testing records, and ensure all data is complete and traceable.
• Verify product specifications, including pH, viscosity, temperature, weight, and other quality parameters, and report any deviations promptly.
• Conduct environmental monitoring and sanitation verification activities, including swabbing and ATP testing.
• Support product hold and release decisions by providing timely and accurate test results.
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure reliable performance and accurate measurements.
• Perform line inspections on the production floor and verify compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Complete GMP-compliant documentation and records in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Participate in investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities to resolve quality and food safety issues.
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory inspections by providing documentation, test results, and process explanations as needed.
• Contribute to the maintenance and continuous improvement of HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and GMP programs.
• Collaborate with production, sanitation, maintenance, warehouse, and other cross-functional teams to ensure consistent product quality and food safety.
• Assist with sensory testing, allergen and pathogen testing, and other specialized analyses as required.
• Perform routine tasks such as glassware washing and general lab housekeeping to maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.

Essential Skills

• Science-based degree or 13 years of experience in quality assurance, laboratory, or food manufacturing.
• Experience performing laboratory testing and documenting data accurately.
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety requirements.
• Ability to interpret product specifications, test methods, and standard operating procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to precise documentation.
• Basic computer proficiency and data entry experience for recording and managing test results.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Foundational knowledge in biology, food science, microbiology, or chemistry relevant to food manufacturing.
• Ability to perform and interpret tests related to pH, viscosity, and other analytical parameters.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience in dairy manufacturing or broader food manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and sanitation programs within a food facility.
• Experience supporting audits, investigations, and corrective action processes.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological techniques, swabbing, ATP testing, and environmental monitoring.
• Exposure to quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) practices in a laboratory or production setting.
• Experience with sensory testing, allergen testing, and pathogen testing.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, growing company with a long-term mindset and interest in career development.
• Openness to learning and developing expertise in analytical testing and food safety systems.
• Recent graduates with science degrees who are eager to build a long-term career in food quality and safety are encouraged to apply.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory environment attached to a food manufacturing facility, providing direct exposure to production operations and product development activities. Occasional overtime may be required on Saturdays based on production and testing needs. The work involves routine use of laboratory instruments and equipment for microbiological, chemical, and physical testing, as well as time spent on the production floor conducting line inspections and environmental monitoring. The environment is stable and growth-oriented, with opportunities for advancement, overtime, and company-paid healthcare benefits.

This is a Permanent position based out of Sun Valley, CA.

The pay range for this position is $47840.00 - $54080.00/yr.

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.

company paid medical for the employee. yearly raises. opportunity for growth

This is a Permanent position based out of Sun Valley, CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Sun Valley,CA.

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.