Lab Technician

Location: Saint Paul

Job Title:

Lab Technician

Job 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…