Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab TechnicianJob Description

The Lab Technician performs product analysis in a quality assurance laboratory, focusing on testing and documenting key product attributes while supporting consistent and safe food production. This role conducts routine QA tests, records results accurately in Excel, and ensures all data is complete and traceable, allowing production team members to focus on manufacturing activities without interruption.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine product analysis in the laboratory, including pH, moisture, size, weight, color, oxygen, and package seal tests.
• Operate and maintain laboratory testing equipment in a basic QA lab environment to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Record all test results accurately and promptly in Excel forms, ensuring complete and organized data entry for quality records.
• Follow established quality control and quality assurance procedures for food testing, including sample handling, testing methods, and documentation standards.
• Verify that packaging meets seal integrity requirements and document any deviations or issues for further review.
• Monitor and document product characteristics to support consistent product quality and compliance with internal standards.
• Collaborate with production and QA team members by sharing test results and observations that may impact product quality.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe laboratory workstation, including countertops and testing areas, in accordance with lab practices.
• Identify and report any equipment issues, irregular test results, or potential quality concerns to the appropriate team members.
• Use computer systems and Excel spreadsheets to organize, store, and retrieve test data as needed for audits or reviews.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated lab experience in a quality assurance or quality control environment.
• Experience with QA food testing, including routine laboratory testing of food products.
• Ability to perform and interpret pH, moisture, size, weight, color, oxygen, and package seal tests.
• Basic understanding of chemistry principles, supported by completion of at least one chemistry course.
• Background in biology, preferably with exposure to microbiology concepts.
• Computer literacy with strong Excel skills for data entry and record keeping.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in conducting tests and entering data.
• Ability to follow established laboratory procedures and quality standards.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests and maintain clear documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in a food manufacturing or food QA environment.
• Familiarity with microbiology concepts as they relate to food safety and quality.
• Comfort working independently at a dedicated lab workstation.
• Ability to communicate clearly with production and QA team members regarding test results and findings.
• Strong problem-solving mindset to recognize and escalate unusual or out-of-spec results.

Work Environment

This role operates in a basic quality assurance laboratory that is located off to the side of the main production area. The Lab Technician works on a 2nd shift schedule from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The lab includes a desktop computer, laboratory testing equipment, and countertops filled with testing apparatuses. The technician has an individual workstation dedicated to conducting tests and entering data. Work is performed entirely in the lab, and this position is not responsible for tasks on the production floor. The environment is structured, process-driven, and focused on maintaining consistent product quality through accurate testing and documentation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Eagan, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Eagan,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 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.