Manufacturing Technician, 2nd Shift

ACTalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Manufacturing Associate II for the 2nd shift in San Diego, CA. This hands-on role supports formulation, filling, packaging, and QC activities to produce reagents, buffers, and consumables used in life sciences.

You will work on up to 50-liter batches, follow SOPs, and contribute to continuous improvement while collaborating with QA, R&D, and engineering teams. Contract-to-Hire with strong growth prospects in a modern facility.

Qualifications

• Degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 1+ years in manufacturing, lab operations, or reagent production in life sciences.
• Experience with reagent preparation, buffer formulation, or chemical solution prep.
• Follows SOPs, batch records, and manufacturing documentation.
• Familiar with quality control processes in regulated manufacturing.
• Experience with pH meters, conductivity meters, and UV-Vis spectrophotometers.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Perform manufacturing operations for reagents, buffers, and consumables per approved procedures.
• Prepare and formulate buffer solutions and reagents up to 50 liters.
• Support filling, packaging, labeling, and kit assembly.
• Perform quality control testing and verify product specifications.
• Troubleshoot formulation, filling, packaging, and analytical issues; recommend corrective actions.
• Collect, document, and analyze manufacturing and quality data.
• Complete production work orders; ensure finished goods enter inventory.
• Maintain batch records, SOPs, and work instructions; pursue process improvements.

Skills

Reagent preparation

Buffer formulation

Laboratory operations

Quality control

SOPs & batch records

Analytical skills

Documentation

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Biology or Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology

Tools

pH meters

Conductivity meters

UV-Vis spectrophotometer

Job description

Manufacturing Associate II (2nd Shift)Join a Growing Life Sciences Manufacturing Team

We are seeking a motivated Manufacturing Associate II to support the production of high-quality reagents, buffers, and consumable products used in life science applications. This is a hands-on manufacturing role ideal for individuals with a background in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or laboratory manufacturing who enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

In this position, you will play a key role in formulation, filling, packaging, quality control, inventory management, and continuous improvement initiatives that directly impact product quality and customer success.

Shift Details

• 2nd Shift: 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM
• Shift Differential: 5%
• Located in a state-of-the-art facility in Sorrento Valley, San Diego
• Excellent growth opportunities within a leading life sciences organization

Key Responsibilities

• Perform manufacturing operations for reagents, buffers, and consumable products in accordance with approved procedures.
• Prepare and formulate buffer solutions and reagents, including batches up to 50 liters.
• Support filling, packaging, labeling, and kit assembly operations.
• Perform quality control testing and verification activities to ensure product specifications are met.
• Troubleshoot formulation, filling, packaging, and analytical process issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Accurately collect, document, and analyze manufacturing and quality data.
• Complete production work orders and ensure finished goods are properly transferred into inventory.
• Execute and improve batch records, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and documentation gaps to support operational excellence.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counting, material receipt, and inventory management activities.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, and Engineering teams to support process improvements and new product initiatives.
• Provide production line support and assist with leading filling and kit assembly activities when needed.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing, laboratory operations, reagent production, or a related life sciences environment.
• Hands-on experience with reagent preparation, buffer formulation, or chemical solution preparation.
• Experience following SOPs, batch records, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation requirements.
• Working knowledge of quality control processes and regulated manufacturing practices.
• Experience using laboratory equipment such as pH meters, conductivity meters, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, and related instrumentation.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biotechnology, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, medical device, or life sciences manufacturing.
• Knowledge of reagent manufacturing, consumables production, formulation, filling, and packaging operations.
• Experience with chromatography or other analytical laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with BOM creation and maintenance.
• Experience participating in continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization projects.
• Previous experience supporting production line leadership or training activities.

What You'll Do

• 80% Formulation & Manufacturing: Prepare reagents and buffers, execute production activities, and support quality initiatives.
• 20% Filling & Packaging: Support consumable filling operations, kit assembly, and production line activities.

Why Join the Team?

• Work in a modern, high-growth manufacturing environment.
• Gain exposure to cutting-edge life science products and technologies.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing professionals.
• Develop your technical skills through hands-on experience and cross-functional projects.
• Build a long-term career with a company committed to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00/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 San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,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.