Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Quality Control Laboratory Technician supports a high‑volume manufacturing operation by performing precise quality testing on raw materials, bulk batches, and finished products. This role ensures that all materials meet strict specifications, communicates test results and batch adjustments promptly to production teams, and initiates investigations into non‑conforming materials. The position offers exposure to aerospace, manufacturing, and consumer products, with strong potential for long‑term growth for someone who is proactive, detail‑oriented, and eager to develop their career.

Responsibilities

• Perform timely and accurate chemical, physical, and visual testing on raw materials, bulk batches, and finished goods using established standard test procedures.
• Determine appropriate raw material adjustment amounts for bulk batches to ensure all products meet required specifications.
• Enter raw material, bulk batch, and finished goods test results into the ERP system (SAP) with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Make usage decisions (accept or reject) for raw materials, bulk batches, and finished goods in SAP based on test results and specifications.
• Collect, label, and store retain samples of raw materials, bulk batches, and finished products as required for traceability and future investigations.
• Take immediate action on internal non‑conformances by creating notifications in SAP and performing initial investigations in collaboration with production operators.
• Support customer complaint investigations by reviewing batch records, examining retain samples, and contributing to root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Maintain critical laboratory equipment, instruments, and inventory of supplies to ensure continuous and uninterrupted quality control support.
• Review the daily production schedule and prepare test equipment, reagents, and documentation to efficiently test all scheduled batches.
• Provide clear documentation and visual quality control labels for materials and products, indicating Acceptable, Rejected, or On‑Hold status.
• Issue, complete, maintain, and process all relevant paperwork, records, and quality documentation in a timely and organized manner.
• Participate in audits and support root cause analysis and corrective action activities, including updating documentation in an ISO or similar regulated environment.
• Attend regular meetings focused on quality, safety, housekeeping, and waste minimization, and actively contribute ideas for continuous improvement.
• Execute and adhere to all environmental, health, and safety requirements, maintain a safe work environment, and follow internal safety rules and procedures, including wearing appropriate PPE.
• Participate in general housekeeping of the plant and laboratory areas to maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work space.
• Communicate promptly and clearly with operators and management regarding test results, batch adjustments, equipment issues, and potential delays.
• Serve as a proactive gatekeeper of production by addressing quality issues immediately to prevent non‑conforming product from progressing through the process.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Lab Technician, Lab Supervisor, and technical leadership, working both independently and under direction as needed.
• Demonstrate strong teamwork, volunteering to assist where needed to meet production and quality goals and to expand skills.
• Contribute to streamlining and improving testing processes to reduce duplication of effort and enhance efficiency across shifts.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, or operations environment with demonstrated cross‑functional communication and strong soft skills.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry, or closely related scientific discipline.
• Proficiency in performing chemical, physical, and visual testing in a quality control laboratory using standard test methods.
• Experience working with ERP systems, specifically SAP, including entering test data and making usage decisions for materials and finished goods.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide prompt, clear, and proactive updates to operators and management.
• High level of detail orientation and accuracy in testing, documentation, and data entry.
• Ability to participate in and support audits, root cause analysis, and corrective action activities within an ISO or similar quality environment.
• Competence in updating and maintaining quality documentation, records, and procedures.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement concepts and willingness to apply them in daily work.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple shifts, including second and third shift schedules, with flexibility to support first shift when required.
• Strong sense of ownership and urgency in addressing non‑conformances and quality issues as the gatekeeper of production.
• Motivation to grow professionally and take on increasing responsibility over time, including potential leadership opportunities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or consumer products industries is highly beneficial.
• Exposure to ISO‑regulated environments and participation in audits, documentation updates, and compliance activities.
• Understanding of root cause and corrective action methodologies, including structured problem‑solving approaches.
• Familiarity with GCMS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) or similar analytical instrumentation used in quality control testing.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, with an interest in applying process improvement tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data tracking and analysis, and regular use of Teams and Outlook for communication and coordination.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, demonstrating strong time management and organizational skills.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced environment where quality decisions directly impact production flow and customer satisfaction.
• Willingness to relocate in the long term for career growth opportunities, including potential movement to another facility.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory setting within a manufacturing facility that produces adhesive and related products for aerospace, manufacturing, and consumer markets. The lab and plant environment can have a strong adhesive odor, and candidates should be comfortable working in this type of setting. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required, and safety procedures are strictly followed to maintain a safe workplace. The position initially trains on second shift (approximately 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) with flexibility to work first shift (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) as needed, and will eventually move to third shift (approximately 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., Monday through Friday) as the facility operates across all three shifts. The work involves hands‑on use of laboratory instruments, test equipment, and computer systems including SAP, Excel, Teams, and Outlook. The culture emphasizes quality, safety, housekeeping, waste minimization, and continuous improvement, and supports individuals who are proactive, collaborative, and eager to grow into more advanced technical or leadership roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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 Los Angeles,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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.