Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician performs manufacturing and quality activities in a fast-paced biotechnology manufacturing lab, following Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, and Batch Records. This role operates and maintains a variety of laboratory and automation equipment, prepares reagents and buffers, supports production and R&D process improvements, and ensures products meet quality and regulatory standards. The position requires strong attention to detail, adherence to Good Documentation Practices and Good Laboratory Practices, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform manufacturing and quality tasks in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), and Batch Records (BRs).
• Operate and maintain automated liquid handling systems, including Opentrons and Hamilton Star/Starlet platforms.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as vacuum ovens and pumps, multi-channel pipettes, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, pH meters, and conductivity meters.
• Formulate reagents and buffers according to established specifications and procedures.
• Assemble and package finished goods to meet production and quality requirements.
• Identify process-related issues as they arise and promptly escalate them to team leads, supervisors, or the engineering team.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret quality data, and communicate findings and potential issues to appropriate stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate inventory through regular cycle counts and process work orders to support product availability.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing processes as required to resolve issues and maintain workflow.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment and actively participate in 6S and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel to support research and development activities and process improvement projects aligned with production goals.
• Follow Good Documentation Practices (GDP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements in all assigned tasks.
• Support equipment upkeep by performing basic calibration, maintenance, and documentation activities.
• Use computer systems, including Excel, Word, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and MRP/ERP systems, to document work, track materials, and support production processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership to support overall manufacturing and quality objectives.

Essential Skills

• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in team settings.
• Solid understanding of Good Documentation Practices (GDP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic startup manufacturing environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with process development engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Basic knowledge of equipment upkeep, calibration, and maintenance.
• Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Experience using Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Working knowledge of MRP and ERP systems.
• Experience working with SOPs, Batch Records (BRs), and other controlled documentation.
• Hands-on experience with reagent preparation and buffer preparation in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in consumable manufacturing preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, or a related field of study, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on experience with surface chemistry is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with automation, including automated liquid handling systems, is a plus.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to GMP and SOP-driven processes.
• Familiarity with surface chemistry applications in consumable or biotech product manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a startup setting with changing priorities and evolving processes.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 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.