Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

Actalent; Coopersville (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician for a night shift (6 PM–6:30 AM) in Coopersville, MI. The 2-2-3 rotation involves ~75% on the floor and 25% in the lab, performing microbiological evaluations and operating analytical equipment to ensure product quality and safety.

Qualified candidates have a Bachelor's in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Food Science, lab/testing experience, and familiarity with USDA/FDA regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant science field.
• Testing and laboratory experience; college-level acceptable.
• Familiarity with USDA and FDA regulations.
• Knowledge of quality systems and laboratory practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological evaluations of raw, pasteurized, and final products.
• Operate spectrometer, FTIR analyzer, moisture analyzer, and pH meter.
• Conduct daily quality audits and document findings on the plant floor.
• Report unusual results or defects to QA Lead/Manager.
• Re-check analytical and microbiological tests (solids, moisture, bacteria).
• Identify samples for third-party testing.
• Lift up to 50 lb and navigate stairs on the production floor.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Quality Assurance

Regulatory awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Food Science

Tools

Spectrometer

FTIR analyzer

Moisture analyzer

pH meter

Job description

Job Title: Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician to join our team. In this role, you will work a night shift from 6 PM to 6:30 AM, following a 2-2-3 rotating schedule. This position involves spending approximately 75% of your time on the manufacturing floor and 25% conducting laboratory testing. You will play a vital role in maintaining the quality and safety of our products by performing microbiological evaluations, operating analytical equipment, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct microbiological evaluations of raw, pasteurized, and final products.
• Operate equipment including spectrometer, FTIR analyzer, moisture analyzer, and pH meter.
• Perform daily quality audits and checks on the plant floor, documenting findings.
• Recognize and report unusual results or product defects to Quality Assurance Lead and Manager.
• Perform re-checks for analytical and microbiological tests, including Total Solids/Moisture Analysis, Powder Test for scorched particles, Whey Protein Nitrogen Test, and Bacteria Tests.
• Properly identify outgoing samples for third‑party testing.
• Lift 50 lb bags of raw materials and boxes multiple times per shift.
• Commute back and forth on the manufacturing floor, including going up stairs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Food Science.
• Testing and laboratory experience (college experience acceptable).
• Familiarity with USDA and FDA regulations.
• Understanding of scientific principles behind laboratory tests.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 6+ months of experience as a Quality Assurance Technician in a food manufacturing facility.
• Experience in food manufacturing or a QA environment within the last 5 out of 10 years.

Work Environment

You will work in a state-of-the-art USDA-regulated laboratory and manufacturing floor. The facility is extremely clean, and all employees must adhere to hygiene protocols, including washing hands and changing shoes before entering specific areas. Locker rooms and showers are available on site. The dress code is casual, but closed‑toe shoes are required. You will be part of a close-knit team, working collaboratively with 4-5 other team members.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Coopersville, MI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.25 - $26.25/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Coopersville,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 10, 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 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.