Quality Assurance/ Lab Technician

Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician is responsible for performing a variety of tasks to ensure the quality and safety of products. This role involves conducting chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses, maintaining laboratory equipment, and adhering to safety and quality standards. The technician will also support continuous improvement initiatives and uphold the company's mission and values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Approach tasks with a Continuous Improvement (CI) mindset, engaging in our Mission Statement to identify, value, prioritize, resource, and sustain improvement opportunities.
• Own and promote a Safety Culture by ensuring a safe work environment and promoting proper safety behavior.
• Perform sensory evaluation of product samples, both fresh and at shelf life.
• Prepare samples, media, and solutions for chemical, physical, and microbiological analysis.
• Conduct accurate microbiological analysis of raw materials, in-process, and finished goods, including Coliform, Standard Plate Count, Yeast & Mold.
• Perform accurate chemical and physical analysis, including Antibiotics, Freeze Point Analysis, Phosphatase, Butterfat and Total Solids, Brix, Titratable Acidity, and Vitamin Analysis.
• Safely operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment such as Foss FT120, Cryoscope, Horiba, Brix, pH meter, CEM, scales, pipettes, and thermometers.
• Perform quality checks, adhering to specifications, and escalate any deficiencies and non-compliance findings to the quality leadership team following the Hold and Release Program.
• Conduct pre-operational and sanitation checks of the facility and equipment, including visual inspections and ATP swabbing.
• Perform finished product checks of labels, coding, and packaging.
• Apply proper sample collection, transport, storage, testing, and disposal procedures.
• Conduct and maintain the Environmental Monitoring Program and Allergen Program, including Air Quality, Water Quality, Pathogen swabbing, and Allergen swabbing.
• Perform routine laboratory and administrative duties, coordinate sampling and sample shipments with third-party laboratories and customer requests as appropriate.
• Maintain proper inventory of all laboratory items and supplies, accurately identifying and restocking lab supplies to maintain a current lab supply and inventory rotation.
• Maintain various production, raw material analysis, and quality control records in an organized manner while meeting local, state, and federal regulations and SQF code requirements.
• Record and enter data, create Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and other reports promptly and accurately; provide summary reports of testing and monitoring activities to management and leadership teams.
• Keep accurate and legible records following Good Documentation Practices (GDPs), prioritize work assignments effectively, and review work for quality and completeness.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).
• Follow all proper Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and established quality policies, safety policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in laboratory proficiency testing and maintain laboratory procedures; identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies in laboratory functions.
• May orient and instruct others in job duties.
• Assist the Quality Assurance Supervisor and Manager in special projects and any other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Effective use of time management and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced production environment.
• Self-starter capable of effectively and efficiently completing tasks without close supervision.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance systems and processes within a food manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in the use of standard computer software, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: professional, courteous, friendly, and empathetic.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (preferred) in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience working in a food laboratory environment (food laboratory experience preferred).
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Knowledgeable of Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).
• Strong understanding of microbiology.
• GMP and/or HACCP qualifications desirable.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $22.00/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 Reno,NV.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 13, 2025.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are 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

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.

Salary : $19 - $22