Brewing Microbiology/Chemistry Laboratory Technician Lead

Actalent; Minnesota; On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Monticello, MN, is seeking a Contract to Hire QC Lab Technician Lead to perform microbiological and analytical testing supporting pre-operation sanitation and HACCP.

The role includes calibrating equipment, documenting results, coordinating with production teams, and leading training for new Lab Techs.

Qualifications

• AA or BA/BS degree in a scientific discipline.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological analysis of products, water, and the environment for food safety.
• Collect and test samples from products like energy drinks, sweeteners, and water.
• Conduct analytical testing on bottles and cans (CO2, air, volume, pH, brix, flavor, seam checks).
• Analyze Titratable Acidity and perform HPLC analysis for caffeine and preservative levels.
• Oversees training of new Lab Techs.
• Sends COA’s and micro reports to customers.

Education

AA or BA/BS degree in a scientific discipline

Job description

Job Description

*This is a very rare opportunity to work in the brewing industry with both chemistry and microbiology techniques!

Job Description

Join a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring food safety and quality through rigorous laboratory and production support functions. As a QC Lab Technician Lead, you will perform microbiological and analytical testing to support our Pre-Operation sanitation and HACCP program, ensuring the highest standards of product quality and safety.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological analysis of products, water, and the environment to support food safety programs.
• Collect and test samples from products such as energy drinks, sweeteners, and water without compromising sample validity.
• Conduct analytical testing on bottles and cans, including CO2, air, volume, pH, brix, flavor, seam checks, and more.
• Analyze Titratable Acidity and perform HPLC analysis for caffeine and preservative levels.
• Ensure the accuracy and calibration of measuring devices.
• Accurately document and record results from product analyses.
• Complete and review batching sheets, ingredient labels, specs, and regulatory documents.
• Communicate with batching, production, and sanitation teams to review specifications and support quality assurance functions.
• Pull finished goods samples for analytical and customer testing.
• Conduct QA Line Checks every 4 hours, reviewing GMPs and adherence to food safety standards.
• Sends COA’s and micro reports to customers.
• Maintains Yield Tracking Analysis.
• Updates titration folders and micro folders for new products and formulas.
• Monitors and controls reference room samples and product retains.
• Ensures product analysis and micro plating is being performed accurately and as required.
• Oversees the training of new Lab Techs.
• Performs HPLC preventative maintenance, trouble shooting and training.
• Makes up yearly testing folders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AA or BA/BS degree in a scientific discipline

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Monticello, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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.

• 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Monticello,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie d