Entry Level Laboratory Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

The Manufacturing Technician I supports consumables, kit, and reagent production in a fast-paced, high-throughput laboratory manufacturing environment. This role focuses on meeting production schedules through the preparation of coated plates, chemical buffers, biological diluents and reagents, and assembled kits for customer order fulfillment. The position offers a structured training program and opportunities to gain industry experience while exercising professional judgment, creativity, and self-management in daily work.

• Operate automated equipment to perform and produce biological assays and reagents in accordance with established procedures and production schedules.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and support assay and process development activities for manufacturing.
• Complete all required documentation to support process and production procedures, including data capture, forms, logbooks, and inventory batch records.
• Perform daily maintenance on production equipment and document maintenance activities accurately.
• Participate in general laboratory maintenance by maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and ensuring equipment is in proper working order.
• Maintain physical inventory by processing, aliquoting, vialing, and labeling materials to support production needs.
• Prepare, maintain, and report raw material, reagent, and coated plate inventories, including participation in year-end physical inventory activities.
• Follow laboratory safety precautions consistently and use appropriate personal protective equipment at all times.
• Support the manufacture of custom and prototype requests for customers as needed.
• Occasionally handle BSL2 reagents while adhering to all safety and handling protocols.
• Apply aseptic techniques and good laboratory practices during all production activities to ensure product quality and integrity.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions to ensure compliance and consistency in manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to coordinate daily operations and support efficient workflow.
• Adapt to varying departmental requirements, performing specific duties as assigned to meet changing production demands.

• Experience working in a production or manufacturing environment, preferably in a laboratory or life sciences setting.
• Ability to use pipettes and perform accurate pipetting for assays, reagents, buffers, and other laboratory preparations.
• Familiarity with biological assays, reagents, and buffer preparation in a laboratory context.
• Knowledge of and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in basic laboratory techniques, including aseptic technique and good laboratory practices.
• Demonstrated experience in operations coordination and inventory control.
• Ability to complete detailed documentation, including data capture, forms, logbooks, and batch records, with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Capability to operate automated laboratory or manufacturing equipment following training.
• Strong organizational skills to manage materials, inventory, and production tasks in a high-throughput setting.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and using personal protective equipment consistently.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Prior manufacturing experience in a laboratory, biotechnology, or similar environment is a plus.
• Experience with laboratory-based manufacturing of consumables, kits, or reagents is beneficial.
• Familiarity with handling BSL2 reagents and working in a controlled laboratory environment is advantageous.
• Exposure to process improvement or assay and process development activities is desirable.
• Experience gained through school laboratory courses, internships, or entry-level industry roles involving pipettes and basic lab techniques is valued.
• Interest in building a long-term career in laboratory manufacturing with opportunities for advancement within and beyond the department.

This role is based in a lab-based manufacturing environment focused on high-throughput production of consumables, kits, and reagents. The work involves operating automated laboratory equipment, handling biological materials, and occasionally working with BSL2 reagents while following strict safety protocols and using personal protective equipment. The schedule follows an extended-day model with two primary shift patterns rather than traditional shiftwork. Opening shifts typically start at 5:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m., with corresponding lunch breaks at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and a closing shift starting at 8:00 a.m. with a 12:00 p.m. lunch. The 5:00 a.m. shift is reserved for team members who are fully trained on startup and is usually scheduled for the entire week unless otherwise requested. Other team members generally work a mix of three 7:00 a.m. shifts and two 8:00 a.m. shifts per week. Schedules are uploaded on Wednesdays for the following week, and advance requests for schedule changes or time off are accommodated when possible. During the first few weeks, the schedule is determined on the first day in the production area, typically starting at 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. until hands-on training begins, with details communicated by supervision after new hire orientation. The environment emphasizes collaboration, a supportive and structured training program, and is well-suited for individuals seeking to gain industry experience and develop new skills in laboratory manufacturing, with clear pathways for advancement within the group and across other departments.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.63/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 Rockville,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 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.