Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician performs a wide range of laboratory tests and analyses on dairy and food products to ensure they meet regulatory and customer specifications. This role prepares solutions and media, conducts chemical and microbiological testing, maintains accurate records, and certifies finished products for sale. The position plays a key part in maintaining product quality, food safety, and overall laboratory integrity within a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing using Near Infra-red methods, acidity tests, sink work, and other microbial testing and environmental sampling on dairy and related food products.
• Prepare solutions and media required for laboratory testing, following established formulations and procedures.
• Sterilize laboratory equipment as needed to maintain a safe and contamination-free testing environment.
• Conduct butterfat and total solids tests on fluid milk, cream, condensed and sweetened condensed milk, and powdered products using the appropriate testing equipment.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory records of samples, test results, and quality control measures.
• Certify that finished products are suitable for sale by verifying that they meet government regulations and customer specifications.
• Ensure the cleanliness, organization, and orderliness of the laboratory at all times.
• Safeguard the integrity and reliability of all testing results by following standard operating procedures and quality standards.
• Evaluate incoming truck shipments for acceptance based on established quality and safety criteria.
• Enter data and test results into computer systems accurately and in a timely manner.
• Generate required reports from laboratory and quality systems for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to address any quality issues identified through testing.
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and quality protocols while working in the lab and production environment.

Essential Skills

• Experience or training in laboratory testing within food, dairy, microbiology, or related environments.
• Knowledge of food science, microbiology, or biology principles as they relate to product testing and quality control.
• Ability to perform Near Infra-red testing, acidity testing, and basic microbial and environmental sampling procedures (training may be provided).
• Ability to prepare laboratory solutions and media and to properly sterilize equipment.
• Familiarity with butterfat and total solids testing on dairy and powdered products or the ability to learn these methods quickly.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing tests and recording data.
• Ability to maintain thorough and organized lab records, including samples, test results, and quality control documentation.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to enter data into systems and generate reports.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Either an associate or bachelor’s degree in Biology, Food Science, or a related field OR at least one year of experience in food manufacturing as a technician or in quality.
• Commitment to quality control, food safety, and adherence to established procedures.
• Strong work ethic and reliability, with the ability to consistently work required hours and overtime as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Biology, Food Science, or another closely related scientific discipline.
• At least one year of experience in food manufacturing, laboratory testing, or quality roles, particularly in dairy or other food products.
• Education in biology, microbiology, or laboratory science that supports understanding of test methods and results.
• Experience working with quality control systems and documentation in a regulated environment.
• Ability to work effectively on a rotating schedule and adapt to changing priorities in a production setting.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple samples and tasks simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with production, quality, and other teams.
• Motivation to grow within the role, supported by annual performance reviews, potential pay increases, and holiday bonuses.
• Interest in long-term employment with access to benefits such as vacation, health benefits, and retirement plans upon permanent hire.

Work Environment

This position is based primarily in a laboratory within a food manufacturing facility, with regular work pulling samples from production areas. The role requires flexibility to work 12-hour shifts when needed. There are current openings on third shift, typically from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 8:00 a.m., on a rotating schedule of four days on followed by two days off. You are expected to work no less than 40 hours per week, with at least 10 hours of overtime regularly available. The environment is fast-paced and focused on food safety and product quality, requiring consistent adherence to laboratory procedures, cleanliness standards, and safety protocols. Upon conversion to a permanent role, you become eligible for benefits that include three weeks of vacation immediately, health benefits, retirement plan options, annual performance reviews with potential increases, and holiday bonuses.

This is a Permanent position based out of Reading, PA.

The pay range for this position is $44720.00 - $44720.00/yr.

Key Employee Benefits at DFAHealth and Wellness:Medical and Prescription Plans: Comprehensive options often include High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans through carriers like Blue Cross Blue Shield.Dental and Vision: Dental coverage is available (often through Delta Dental), along with vision insurance options.Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Options for health care and dependent care FSAs, allowing for pre-tax contributions.Health Savings Account (HSA): Available to employees enrolled in high-deductible plans, often with company contributions.Mental Health Care: Access to mental health services.Financial Security and Retirement:401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with company match, which is highly rated by employees.Life Insurance: Company-paid and supplemental life insurance options.Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage to protect income.Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): Additional coverage options for accidental injury or death.Work-Life Balance:Paid Time Off (PTO) and Vacation: Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.Parental Leave: Maternity and paternity leave options.Flexible Schedules: Opportunities for flexible hours or working from home, depending on the role.Additional Perks and Benefits:Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continuing education.Employee Discounts: Perks such as discounts on travel, car rentals, and entertainment.Voluntary Benefits: Partnership with Aflac, Allstate, and MetLife for supplemental coverage, including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, and legal services.

This is a fully onsite position in Reading,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 12, 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.