Entry Level Food Lab Tech

Job Title: Quality Control Technician

Job Description

The Quality Control Technician ensures that products meet strict quality and safety standards by performing pre-operational inspections, conducting laboratory tests, and verifying compliance with GMP and HACCP guidelines. This role focuses on monitoring production processes, testing product attributes such as pH, salt, Brix, and viscosity, and maintaining accurate documentation including Certificates of Analysis and batch records.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-operational inspections of production areas, equipment, and instruments to verify readiness and compliance with GMP standards.
• Conduct ATP swabbing on machines, instruments, and surfaces to assess sanitation effectiveness and verify cleanliness.
• Gather samples from the production floor and ensure production teams consistently follow GMPs and SOPs.
• Conduct routine product testing, including pH measurement, salt titrations, Brix analysis, and viscosity testing, and document all results accurately.
• Review batch records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.
• Create Certificates of Analysis (COAs) based on test results and batch record information for finished products.
• Call for production holds when necessary based on test results, inspection findings, or non-conformance to quality standards.
• Oversee and support sanitation activities by verifying that sanitation procedures are followed and meet established standards.
• Apply HACCP principles to identify, monitor, and document critical control points in the production process.
• Participate in CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) activities by identifying issues, documenting findings, and supporting implementation of corrective measures.
• Communicate quality and sanitation expectations clearly to production and sanitation teams and help uphold GMP standards.
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and documentation requirements in the quality assurance and laboratory environment.

Essential Skills

• Experience in quality assurance within a manufacturing or food production environment.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing processes and quality control practices.
• Hands-on experience with ATP testing and swabbing for sanitation verification.
• Ability to perform and interpret pH testing, salt titrations, Brix measurements, and viscosity tests.
• Understanding and practical application of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.
• Familiarity with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) guidelines and their use in food production.
• Ability to support and participate in CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) processes.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, recordkeeping, and documentation.
• Ability to lead by example and uphold GMP standards with production and sanitation teams.
• High dependability and reliability, with a consistent record of punctuality and attendance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor"s degree in a science-related field, with a Food Science highly preferred.
• Laboratory experience gained through academic coursework or internships, preferably in food-related testing.
• Alternatively, a high school diploma with 1-2 years of quality assurance experience in a manufacturing or food environment.
• Comfort working in a laboratory and production setting, including sample collection and testing.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with production and sanitation teams.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and SOPs while maintaining organized records.

Work Environment

This position is based in a smaller production facility and operates on a first shift schedule as a QA Technician. Typical hours are approximately 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The role involves working on the production floor to gather samples, verify that production is following GMPs and SOPs, and perform quality tests such as Brix, pH, and titrations. The environment includes both laboratory work and time spent in active production areas, with regular ATP swabbing of equipment and surfaces to confirm sanitation effectiveness. Team members follow established safety and hygiene practices appropriate for a food manufacturing and quality assurance setting.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 Orange,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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.