Lab Technician

Job Title: Laboratory Technician Job Description
The Laboratory Technician performs analytical testing on production and finished product samples to verify compliance with regulatory requirements and internal quality standards for dairy products. This role supports safe, efficient manufacturing by ensuring products meet FDA and New York State regulations as well as internal specifications, while contributing to overall production, safety, quality, performance, and cost goals.
Responsibilities
- Perform microbiological, chemical, and sensory testing on finished products, in-process samples, and incoming materials according to laboratory and operations schedules.
- Conduct and evaluate product testing results to determine compliance with established standards and release compliant product from hold using the computerized inventory management system.
- Inspect and verify the sanitary condition of processing lines, fillers, tanks, and production areas, including performing ATP swabbing and visual inspections.
- Validate vitamin additions and batching sheets for processing departments to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Perform bacteria and shelf-life testing on fresh and stressed samples and complete shelf-life sensory evaluations as required.
- Conduct titratable acidity (TA) tests using all required methods and perform butterfat and solids testing using appropriate equipment such as Delta and CEM instruments.
- Conduct allergen testing as required and perform sterile sampling of tanks, reporting results in a timely manner.
- Perform cryoscope testing on milk products and conduct product sterility testing on samples received into the laboratory.
- Verify that product labels are correct and compliant with specifications.
- Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to verify and document analytical, sensory, and microbiological results.
- Maintain and update laboratory logbooks and Product Hold and Disposition Logs, including logging and sending Certificates of Analysis (COAs) as testing is completed and following up on held product as needed.
- Complete and report product testing results using tally sheets and Product Testing Records, including microbiological reports.
- Communicate effectively and openly with other members of the Quality Control team, production personnel, and other departments, including during shift handoffs.
- Support food safety and quality programs by reporting food safety issues, initiating appropriate actions, and maintaining compliance with SQF requirements.
- Ensure work areas and equipment remain clean and sanitary, strictly adhering to sanitation practices.
- Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and all corporate and plant policies, rules, and regulations.
- Work safely at all times, promptly report safety concerns to a supervisor or lead, and take corrective actions as necessary to maintain a safe environment.
- Notify appropriate personnel of mechanical malfunctions to improve productivity and equipment capabilities, and begin identifying opportunities for operators to assist in resolving issues.
- Provide assistance and support to all areas in the production facility as assigned by a supervisor or lead, including learning and supporting key areas such as fillers, forklifts, and production lines.
- Gain competence on line circuits and ensure proper hookups are made within the facility.
- Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned by a supervisor or lead.
- Ensure compliance with all legal requirements related to dairy processing and safety during the assigned shift and report concerns promptly.
- Report to work as scheduled, communicate any tardiness or absences to the assigned supervisor or manager in advance, and arrive in a condition fit for work.
- Maintain professional appearance and adhere to business- and position-appropriate attire, including compliance with GMP dress code standards.
- Meet performance criteria and standards of conduct as outlined in company policies and the employee handbook.
- Complete all assigned tasks and responsibilities accurately and within required timeframes.
Essential Skills
- Ability to perform basic to complex mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and working with weights and measures, to support laboratory and production tasks.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a level sufficient to perform job functions and respond appropriately to employee, vendor, and customer inquiries.
- Ability to interpret company documents, technical literature, and UPC or code information related to products and processes.
- Ability to operate facility and laboratory equipment required in the assigned area, including analytical instruments and production-related equipment.
- Ability to satisfactorily complete all required company training programs.
- Understanding of the organizations mission, purpose, and goals, and the ability to recognize how the role contributes to achieving them.
- Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy when recording and evaluating test results.
- Ability to work safely, follow established procedures, and promptly report safety or food safety concerns.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Associate degree in dairy science, food science, or a related field is highly preferred.
- 12 years of experience in a food industry laboratory setting is highly preferred.
- Experience with quality control testing in dairy or other food manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with microbiological testing, chemical analyses, and sensory evaluation methods.
- Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar data management tools.
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety standards, including support of SQF or comparable programs.
- Exposure to quality control, chemistry, biology, inspection, and dairy processing environments.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively with production and quality teams.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training, including annual sensory training and other required certifications.
Work Environment
The Laboratory Technician works in a dairy production and quality control environment that includes both laboratory and plant-floor settings. The role involves regular interaction with processing lines, fillers, tanks, and production equipment, as well as the use of analytical instruments for microbiological, chemical, and sensory testing. The position follows a back-half night schedule, typically working Wednesday through Saturday from approximately 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., and may require morning, afternoon, or overnight availability on other days based on assigned shifts. The environment requires strict adherence to sanitation practices, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and food safety and quality standards. The dress code includes business- and position-appropriate attire combined with compliance with GMP dress requirements, such as appropriate protective clothing and hygiene standards. The role emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and teamwork in a fast-paced production setting, with frequent communication between shifts and departments to maintain consistent product quality and operational efficiency.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of East Syracuse, NY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $24.50 - $24.50/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 East Syracuse,NY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 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 [email protected] 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.