Lab Technician

Location: Elma

Job Title:

Lab Technician

Job Description

This Lab Technician role supports a growing manufacturing facility by performing quality assurance and quality control testing on liquid products in a plant and laboratory environment. You will collect samples from production silos, perform analytical tests using laboratory instruments, and ensure all products meet strict FDA, plant, and quality specifications. This position offers the opportunity to develop technical skills in chemistry, microbiology, and analytical testing while contributing directly to safe and consistent product quality.

Responsibilities

+ Navigate the plant environment safely to obtain liquid samples from silos in accordance with FDA and plant standards, maintaining awareness of machinery and forklifts at all times.

+ Collect and handle samples carefully to prevent contamination and ensure they accurately represent production batches.

+ Perform laboratory tests on samples, including pH, acidity, freezing point or related critical control points, viscosity, and solid/fat percentage measurements, ensuring results remain within specified ranges.

+ Operate, monitor, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment used for analytical chemistry, titration, and other quality control tests.

+ Document all test results accurately with dates, signatures, and relevant details, ensuring complete and traceable quality records.

+ Review and verify quality standards and specifications, escalating any out-of-specification results or trends to appropriate personnel.

+ Calibrate laboratory equipment daily and perform routine checks to ensure instruments remain accurate and reliable.

+ Follow FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and internal plant standards consistently in both the lab and production areas.

+ Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary laboratory environment to prevent contamination and ensure safe operations.

+ Monitor and replenish laboratory supplies such as chemicals, pipettes, and other consumables to support continuous testing.

+ Handle incoming phone calls from the dairy and various parts of the plant, coordinating sample testing and communicating results as needed.

+ Multitask throughout the shift to manage multiple samples, tests, and requests while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

+ Support quality assurance and quality control programs by performing inspections, documenting findings, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts.

+ Enter data accurately into laboratory or quality systems, ensuring timely and complete reporting of all test results.

+ Collaborate with production and quality teams to ensure products and samples move forward in the process only when they meet specification.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in a technical science discipline such as chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field.

+ At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing environment.

+ Demonstrated ability to document and review quality standards and specifications accurately.

+

Experience with quality assurance and quality control practices in a manufacturing or laboratory setting.

+ Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and analytical testing.

+ Knowledge of chemistry, analytical chemistry, and related laboratory techniques.

+ Familiarity with microbiology or biology concepts relevant to product quality and safety.

+ Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and their application in a plant or lab environment.

+ Ability to perform titration and other quantitative analytical methods.

+ Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, documentation, and data entry.

+ Ability to work safely in a manufacturing plant environment, including awareness around machinery and forklifts.

+ Capability to multitask and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working in a quality assurance or quality control role within a manufacturing facility.

+ Background in inspection and analytical chemistry within a production or food-related environment.

+ Comfort using laboratory information systems or digital tools for data entry and recordkeeping.

+ Strong communication skills to coordinate with dairy operations, production staff, and other plant departments.

+ Interest in long-term growth within a manufacturing and laboratory setting, including potential internal movement after successful performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elma, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.25 - $23.25/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…