QA Laboratory Technician I

The Employee Connect • Commerce, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Our client, a large food production organization, is seeking a QA Laboratory Technician for an onsite, three-month contract engagement in Commerce, California. The role supports the quality laboratory that verifies product safety and specification compliance for a high-volume production facility. This position suits a detail-driven technician who understands that quality data only has value when it is accurate, timely, and properly documented. It offers exposure to food safety testing in a regulated environment alongside an experienced quality team.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Prior laboratory, quality, or food manufacturing experience is required, with demonstrated care in following written procedures exactly.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping habits.
• Basic computer literacy including data entry into quality or laboratory systems and use of spreadsheets.
• Ability to work onsite in a production and laboratory environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to handle laboratory chemicals safely with appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work the assigned shift including weekends where the production schedule requires.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the engagement.

Nice To Haves

• An associate or bachelor's degree in food science, biology, chemistry, microbiology, or a related field is preferred.
• Prior food or beverage quality laboratory experience is highly valued.
• Familiarity with GMPs, HACCP, SQF, or FSMA requirements is advantageous.
• Hands-on experience with environmental monitoring programs, aseptic technique, or laboratory information management systems.
• Bilingual English and Spanish capability is a plus.
• Experience with rapid microbiological methods, ATP swabbing, or allergen test kits is valued.
• Familiarity with statistical process control concepts.
• Exposure to laboratory audits by customers or certification bodies.
• Any prior involvement in method verification or proficiency testing programs are all advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples from raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods on a defined schedule, following sampling plans precisely and maintaining chain-of-custody and labeling accuracy throughout.
• Perform routine analytical and microbiological testing according to established methods, which may include pH, titratable acidity, moisture, viscosity, weight and fill checks, sensory evaluation, and environmental and product micro testing using approved procedures.
• Record results accurately in laboratory information systems and quality records, compare results against specification, and immediately flag out-of-specification or out-of-trend findings to quality leadership so that product disposition decisions can be made promptly.
• Maintain laboratory equipment through routine calibration and verification, prepare reagents and media, keep the laboratory clean and organized to GLP standards, support environmental monitoring programs and sanitation verification swabbing, and assist with documentation for internal and third-party audits.
• Support hold and release decisions by ensuring that testing for each production lot is completed and documented on time, escalating delays that could affect product disposition.
• Assist with investigations into quality deviations, customer complaints, and out-of-specification results by retrieving records, performing retesting where directed, and documenting findings clearly for the quality team.

Benefits

• Gain practical experience in a regulated food quality laboratory, working with established methods and an experienced quality team.
• Build a skill set that transfers well across food, beverage, and consumer goods manufacturing.
• Extension or conversion may be possible depending on performance and organizational need.
• Support throughout the assignment, from onboarding and first-week check-ins through to end-of-contract planning.
• Actively look for the next opportunity for people who deliver well.
• Many of our contract placements lead to extensions, repeat assignments, or permanent conversion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED