Lab Technician

Laboratory Technician

The Laboratory Technician plays a key role in supporting snack processing operations by conducting chemical and physical analyses and providing technical support to leadership. This position is based in Stockton, California and focuses on ensuring product quality, food safety, and consistent processing conditions within a dynamic, plant-based food environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform a full range of laboratory analyses related to snack processing, demonstrating strong technical competency and accuracy.
• Maintain familiarity with all laboratory equipment, chemicals, and reagents, and use them safely and effectively.
• Collect, prepare, label, and organize raw material and product samples for analysis in accordance with established procedures.
• Inspect and sample raw materials for each lot prior to processing, ensuring materials meet quality specifications.
• Conduct allergen inspections of equipment in the assigned area after cleanup and changeovers to prevent cross-contamination at start-up, and document findings on checklists for the HACCP Manager.
• Organize daily work, schedule and conduct analyses, and ensure all testing is completed on time with clear, professional reporting.
• Perform necessary calculations, organize test data, and enter results into SPC charts and graphs to build a data set that supports operational decision-making.
• Interpret laboratory data, understand how data is generated, and provide timely feedback on snack processing conditions to supervisors and other team members.
• Make informed decisions regarding products that are out of specification, determine when additional sampling is needed, and recommend product holds to the Laboratory / Quality Services Manager when appropriate.
• Monitor inventory levels of laboratory supplies, raw materials, and finished goods, and report status to the Laboratory / Quality Services Manager and/or Snack Processing Supervisor.
• Maintain a clean, neat, and organized laboratory and work area to support efficient and safe operations.
• Ensure safety when working with chemicals and reagents by following Good Laboratory Practices and all safe work procedures.
• Design and deliver training related to laboratory procedures and quality assurance, demonstrating leadership in implementing QA-related training programs for the facility.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support laboratory, quality, and production objectives.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with laboratory operations and quality control functions in a food or related manufacturing environment.
• Ability to perform chemical and physical analyses accurately and consistently, following established procedures and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Strong capability to organize work, manage multiple analyses, and meet testing schedules and deadlines.
• Competence in collecting, preparing, and organizing samples for analysis with attention to detail and documentation.
• Ability to interpret laboratory data, understand processing conditions, and communicate findings clearly to management and production teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook for data entry, charting, reporting, and communication.
• Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related science discipline.
• Minimum of one year of laboratory work experience and/or experience in a quality-related field.
• Awareness of food safety and allergen control practices, including familiarity with HACCP-related documentation and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to collaborate with quality, laboratory, and production personnel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a food processing, snack manufacturing, or plant-based product environment is beneficial.
• Experience in applying Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a production or laboratory setting.
• Understanding of statistical process control (SPC) and experience creating and interpreting charts and graphs for process monitoring.
• Ability to take initiative in monitoring inventory, identifying needs, and supporting continuous improvement in laboratory operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting results, preparing reports, and delivering training.
• Leadership potential demonstrated through the ability to design and implement quality assurance training programs.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy, safety, and compliance with quality standards.
• Comfort working with…