Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

Job Title:

Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician Job Description The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician ensures the safety, quality, and compliance of food and dairy products by performing microbiological and analytical testing and conducting routine quality checks on the manufacturing floor. This role follows a 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. schedule on a rotating 2-2-3 pattern and combines hands-on work in a state-of-the-art production environment with laboratory-based testing and documentation. Responsibilities Work a 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. shift on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule, adapting to a weekly changing pattern. Spend approximately 75% of the time on the manufacturing floor and 25% in the laboratory, balancing floor support with testing and documentation. Start each shift by reviewing emails and the daily task list to prioritize and plan work activities. Collect samples from the manufacturing floor, including raw materials, in-process, and finished products, ensuring proper handling and labeling. Perform microbiological evaluations of all raw, pasteurized, and final products in accordance with established procedures and standards. Operate laboratory equipment such as spectrometers, FTIR analyzers, moisture analyzers, and pH meters to perform analytical tests. Conduct routine analytical tests including Total Solids/Moisture Analysis, powder tests for scorched particles and moisture, Whey Protein Nitrogen (WPN) tests, and bacteria tests such as SPC, Coli, and LPC. Use automated laboratory machinery to run tests on samples and interpret results generated by the equipment within a short turnaround time. Swab machinery and equipment on the production floor to check for contamination and verify sanitation effectiveness. Perform antibiotic testing, run samples, and conduct line checks on the floor to ensure products meet quality and safety specifications. Carry out daily quality audits and checks on the plant floor, documenting findings accurately and in a timely manner. Recognize unusual test results, product defects, or out-of-specification conditions and promptly notify Quality Assurance leadership and appropriate supervisors. Perform necessary re-checks for analytical and microbiological tests to confirm results and support troubleshooting. Properly identify, label, and prepare outgoing samples for third-party testing, ensuring correct documentation and chain of custody. Maintain accurate, clear, and complete records of all tests, inspections, and quality audits in accordance with regulatory and internal requirements. Collaborate and communicate effectively with production and quality team members at all levels to address quality issues and support continuous improvement. Lift 50-pound bags of raw materials and boxes multiple times per shift and safely transport materials as needed. Regularly climb stairs and move throughout the facility and production floor to perform sampling, inspections, and quality checks. Follow all sanitation, hygiene, and safety procedures, including required handwashing and footwear changes when entering designated areas. Contribute to a close-knit team environment by supporting colleagues, sharing information, and helping maintain a culture focused on quality and food safety. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related life science field, or equivalent relevant experience in food manufacturing quality assurance. Testing experience, including laboratory testing experience; college laboratory experience is acceptable. Laboratory experience working with scientific methods and understanding the science behind tests being performed; college lab experience is acceptable. Experience in food manufacturing quality assurance, such as having worked at least 5 of the last 10 years in a QA environment in food (for candidates qualifying via experience route). Knowledge of microbiology, biology, chemistry, and life sciences sufficient to understand and interpret test methods and results. Ability to operate laboratory instruments including spectrometers, FTIR analyzers, moisture analyzers, and pH meters. Ability to perform microbiological testing and analytical testing such as Total Solids/Moisture Analysis, scorched particle and moisture tests for powders, Whey Protein Nitrogen (WPN) tests, and bacterial tests (SPC, Coli, LPC). Strong attention to detail and accuracy in sampling, testing, and documentation. Ability to recognize abnormal results or product defects and escalate issues appropriately. Physical ability to lift 50-pound bags and boxes multiple times per shift and to climb stairs and move throughout the facility. Willingness and ability to work 12-hour overnight shifts on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule. Effective communication skills to interact with production staff, quality personnel, and leadership across the facility.

Additional Skills & Qualifications Preferred:

At least 6 months of experience as a Quality Assurance Technician in a food manufacturing facility combined with a life science degree. Experience working in a USDA- or FDA-regulated food or dairy environment. Familiarity with food safety and quality systems related to dairy and other food products. Experience conducting line checks, floor audits, and contamination swabbing in a production setting. Ability to work effectively in a close-knit team of approximately 4-5 people while also managing individual responsibilities. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, audits, and tasks during a shift. Comfort using automated laboratory machinery and software interfaces for test execution and data capture. Work Environment This role is based in a state-of-the-art USDA-regulated laboratory and food manufacturing facility. The technician spends about 25% of the time in the lab and 75% on the production floor, frequently moving between areas to collect samples, perform line checks, and conduct audits. The facility maintains high standards of cleanliness and hygiene; all employees must wash hands and change shoes before entering certain areas. Locker rooms and showers are available on site to support these hygiene practices. The environment is collaborative, with close-knit teams of approximately 4-5 people working together to ensure product quality and safety. The position follows a 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. shift on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule, which includes both weekdays and weekends. The work involves regular stair climbing and handling of 50-pound bags and boxes. Dress is casual, with a requirement to wear closed-toe shoes and any additional safety or protective gear provided by the facility as needed for laboratory and production floor work. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Coopersville, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $26.25 - $26.25/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 Coopersville,MI.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 9, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.