Manufacturing Technician

ACTalent; Newark (CA); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is hiring a Manufacturing Technician in Newark, CA to manufacture reagents under ISO 9001, perform protein purification and conjugation, and document work with good practices. The role requires calibration, training teammates, and safe handling of hazardous materials in a hybrid, contract-to-hire environment.

The position offers growth opportunities and a focus on quality, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration in a laboratory-based manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• 15 years of related experience in manufacturing, laboratory, or similar operations.
• 12 years of experience with column chromatography and/or protein purification.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing reagents, including reagent preparation and handling.
• Proficiency with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and adherence to documented processes.
• Experience operating under ISO 9001:2015 requirements and procedures (required; detailed understanding preferred).
• Ability to use pipettes and other standard laboratory equipment accurately and consistently.
• Experience with inventory control, including labeling and use of computerized inventory systems.
• Ability to work with animal-derived and human-derived materials in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine and some non-routine procedures and techniques in manufacturing or laboratory processes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain ideas, reasoning, and conclusions across functional departments.
• Demonstrated ability to approach problems methodically through detailed investigation and data analysis, ensuring evidence-based findings and practical, sustainable solutions.
• Strong documentation skills, including thorough follow-up and verification of results.
• Ability to work well under pressure and time constraints while maintaining a high level of work quality.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as part of routine duties.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture reagents in compliance with ISO 9001 requirements and established standard operating procedures.
• Document all manufacturing steps as they are performed, following good documentation practices to ensure traceability and accuracy.
• Collect, track, and execute KPIs related to manufacturing processes.
• Perform column purification and chromatography, protein conjugations, and kit reagent preparation using both manual and automated procedures.
• Maintain, calibrate, and validate production equipment according to established protocols to ensure consistent performance and reliability.
• Guide, train, and assist other associates under the direction of the Department Supervisor to support skill development and knowledge transfer.
• Draft and revise manufacturing documents and ISO-related documentation as needed to reflect current processes and quality system requirements.
• Support investigations of non-conforming materials as directed, contributing to root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Assist in the implementation of new equipment and new manufacturing processes as directed, ensuring smooth integration into existing workflows.
• Support bottling and kit packing activities, as well as quality control tasks, as needed within the operations value stream.
• Work with and properly dispose of hazardous materials by following specified safety precautions and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain inventory control of raw materials and supplies using proper labeling practices and computerized inventory systems.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with health and safety guidelines.
• Collaborate within the team and department to follow best practices and achieve department goals and production targets.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned within the operations value stream to support overall business needs.

Skills

Column chromatography

Protein purification

ISO 9001 understanding

Good documentation practices

Pipette handling

Hazardous materials handling

Equipment calibration

Training teammates

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Quality system experience

Team collaboration

Education

BS or BA in Chemistry / Biochemistry / Life Sciences

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing TechnicianJob Description

The Manufacturing Technician manufactures high-quality reagents in accordance with ISO 9001 requirements and established procedures. This role performs protein purification and conjugation activities, prepares kit reagents using both manual and automated processes, and documents all work using good documentation practices. The Manufacturing Technician supports continuous improvement by maintaining and calibrating production equipment, assisting with implementation of new equipment and processes, and contributing to investigations of non-conforming materials. This position works collaboratively within a supportive and balanced work environment that values professional growth, teamwork, and sustainable work-life balance.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture reagents in compliance with ISO 9001 requirements and established standard operating procedures.

• Document all manufacturing steps as they are performed, following good documentation practices to ensure traceability and accuracy.

• Collect, track, and execute critical key performance indicators (KPIs) related to manufacturing processes.

• Perform column purification and chromatography, protein conjugations, and kit reagent preparation using both manual and automated procedures.

• Maintain, calibrate, and validate production equipment according to established protocols to ensure consistent performance and reliability.

• Guide, train, and assist other associates under the direction of the Department Supervisor to support skill development and knowledge transfer.

• Draft and revise manufacturing documents and ISO-related documentation as needed to reflect current processes and quality system requirements.

• Support investigations of non-conforming materials as directed, contributing to root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Assist in the implementation of new equipment and new manufacturing processes as directed, ensuring smooth integration into existing workflows.

• Support bottling and kit packing activities, as well as quality control tasks, as needed within the operations value stream.

• Work with and properly dispose of hazardous materials by following specified safety precautions and regulatory guidelines.

• Maintain inventory control of raw materials and supplies using proper labeling practices and computerized inventory systems.

• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with health and safety guidelines.

• Collaborate within the team and department to follow best practices and achieve department goals and production targets.

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned within the operations value stream to support overall business needs.

Essential Skills

• 15 years of related experience in manufacturing, laboratory, or similar operations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 12 years of experience with column chromatography and/or protein purification.

• Hands-on experience with manufacturing reagents, including reagent preparation and handling.

• Proficiency with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and adherence to documented processes.

• Experience operating under a quality system, with an understanding of ISO 9001:2015 requirements and procedures (required; detailed understanding preferred).

• Ability to use pipettes and other standard laboratory equipment accurately and consistently.

• Experience with inventory control, including labeling and use of computerized inventory systems.

• Ability to work with animal-derived and human-derived materials in a laboratory setting.

• Ability to troubleshoot routine and some non-routine procedures and techniques in manufacturing or laboratory processes.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain ideas, reasoning, and conclusions across functional departments.

• Demonstrated ability to approach problems methodically through detailed investigation and data analysis, ensuring evidence-based findings and practical, sustainable solutions.

• Strong documentation skills, including thorough follow-up and verification of results.

• Ability to work well under pressure and time constraints while maintaining a high level of work quality.

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as part of routine duties.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BS or BA degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 quality systems and related documentation practices.

• Experience in reagent manufacturing, protein purification, and chromatography within a regulated environment.

• Comfort working with hazardous materials while following specified safety precautions and protocols.

• Ability to contribute to drafting and revising manufacturing and ISO-related documentation.

• Experience assisting in the implementation of new equipment or manufacturing processes.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor, guide, or train colleagues under the direction of leadership.

• Strong collaboration skills and a team-oriented mindset, with the ability to work effectively across departments.

Work Environment

The work environment is a laboratory-based manufacturing setting focused on reagent production under an ISO 9001 quality system. The role involves frequent use of pipettes, chromatography columns, protein purification systems, and both manual and automated equipment for reagent and kit preparation. Employees work with animal- and human-derived materials and hazardous substances while following strict safety protocols and health and safety guidelines. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and adherence to good documentation practices, with a strong focus on maintaining calibrated and validated production equipment. The workplace culture is supportive and collaborative, encouraging employees to thrive in their roles, leverage their professional strengths, and contribute meaningfully to team and department goals. The organization values work-life balance, recognizing the importance of allowing employees to focus on their personal lives outside of work and to recharge without interruptions, fostering long-term engagement, fulfillment, and high performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Newark, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Newark, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Newark,CA.

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 detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.