Assistant Lab Supervisor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Quality Control Lab Technician supports a high-volume manufacturing operation by performing precise quality testing on raw materials, bulk batches, and finished products. This role ensures that materials meet specifications, communicates test results and batch adjustments clearly and promptly to production operators, and initiates investigations and notifications for non-conforming materials. The position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, proactive, eager to grow, and interested in contributing to continuous improvement within a quality-focused laboratory and production environment.

• Execute and adhere to all environmental, health, and safety requirements, maintaining a safe work environment and following internal safety rules and procedures, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Participate in general housekeeping of the plant and laboratory areas to ensure a clean, organized, and efficient workspace.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Perform timely and accurate chemical, physical, and visual testing on raw materials, bulk batches, and finished goods using established standard test procedures.
• Determine raw material adjustment amounts for bulk batches to ensure products meet required specifications.
• Enter raw material, bulk batch, and finished goods test results into the ERP system (SAP) accurately and promptly.
• Perform usage decisions (accept or reject) for raw materials, bulk batches, and finished goods in SAP based on test results and specifications.
• Collect, label, and store retain samples of raw materials, bulk batches, and finished products as required for traceability and future investigations.
• Take immediate action on internal non-conformances by creating notifications in SAP and conducting initial investigations in collaboration with production operators.
• Support customer complaint investigations by reviewing batch records, analyzing retain samples, and contributing to root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Maintain critical laboratory equipment and inventory of supplies to ensure continuous, uninterrupted quality control support for production.
• Review the daily production schedule and ensure test equipment, reagents, and documentation are prepared to efficiently test all scheduled batches.
• Provide clear documentation and visual quality control labels for materials and products that are acceptable, rejected, or on hold.
• Issue, complete, maintain, and process all relevant paperwork and records related to quality control testing and non-conformance investigations.
• Attend regular meetings focused on quality, safety, housekeeping, and waste minimization, and actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Communicate all critical issues and problems concerning quality control test equipment, potential test delays, and quality risks to management in a prompt and proactive manner.
• Participate in audits and work within ISO and lean manufacturing environments, contributing to root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Support and help streamline testing processes to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency across shifts and laboratory personnel.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Lab Technician, Lab Supervisor, and Facility Technical team, working with guidance while demonstrating initiative and ownership of tasks.
• Act as a team player by volunteering to assist where needed, sharing knowledge, and enhancing skills to support overall laboratory and production performance.
• Demonstrate strong project and time management skills to handle multiple testing priorities and production demands effectively.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts, including updating documentation, refining test procedures, and supporting implementation of lean and Six Sigma practices.

• Minimum of 1+ years of experience in operations, quality control, or a related role, ideally within aerospace, manufacturing, or consumer products environments.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry, or closely related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience performing chemical, physical, and visual testing in a laboratory or production support setting.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide prompt, clear, and proactive updates to operators, supervisors, and management.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in testing, documentation, and data entry.
• Experience working with ERP systems, specifically SAP, for entering test results and making usage decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook for data tracking, communication, and coordination.
• Ability to participate in and support audits, including working within ISO-regulated environments.
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action processes, including documenting findings and updates.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively and handle multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to work second and third shifts, including flexibility to support first shift when needed.
• Strong cross-functional communication and interpersonal skills to act as a gatekeeper for production and address issues quickly and professionally.
• Proactive mindset with a strong sense of responsibility for product quality and production continuity.

• Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or consumer products industries, particularly in quality control or production support roles.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exposure to Six Sigma concepts and tools for process improvement and defect reduction.
• Experience using GCMS or other analytical laboratory equipment for advanced testing and analysis.
• Background in participating in internal and external audits within an ISO environment.
• Experience updating and maintaining quality documentation, procedures, and records.
• Demonstrated ability to streamline testing processes and reduce redundant tasks across teams and shifts.
• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort with root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Motivation to grow into advanced technical or leadership roles over time, with interest in long-term career development.
• Openness to potential relocation to another facility in the future for long-term growth opportunities.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a desire to take on increasing responsibility, including the potential to step into higher-level roles down the line.

This role is based in a laboratory setting that directly supports a high-volume manufacturing facility producing adhesive-related products for aerospace, manufacturing, and consumer markets. The lab and facility have a strong adhesive-related smell, and candidates should be comfortable working in this environment. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required and provided, and strict adherence to safety and EHS standards is expected. The position involves working with laboratory instruments, analytical equipment, computers, and ERP systems such as SAP, along with productivity tools like Excel, Teams, and Outlook. The role initially trains on second shift (approximately 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) with flexibility to work first shift (approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) as needed, and will eventually move to third shift (approximately 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., Monday through Friday) as the facility operates across three shifts. The culture emphasizes safety, quality, continuous improvement, and collaboration, and offers opportunities for long-term growth for individuals who are hungry to learn, ready to take initiative, and interested in advancing their careers.

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

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Los Angeles,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 13, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.