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Food Testing Laboratory Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Michelson Laboratories, Inc

Food Chemist

Commerce, CA · On-site

Dental insurance Full Michelson Laboratories is a leading food testing laboratory based in Southern California. Since 1970, Michelson Laboratories has provided efficient testing and analyses to an ...

Certified Group

Lab Assistant

Tustin, CA

Basic knowledge of testing laboratory practices and general laboratory procedures. * One or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred. * Competency with Laboratory ...

Certified Group

Microbiology Lab Tech

Turlock, CA

$21 - $26.25/hr

Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory * Ability to travel is preferred * Or equivalent combination of education and experience PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Certified Group

Chemistry Lab Tech

Tustin, CA

$20 - $26.50/hr

Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory * BS degree in Life Science or related field preferred * Ability to travel is preferred * Or equivalent combination ...

Certified Group

Microbiology Technician 2

Burbank, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory * Ability to travel is preferred * Or equivalent combination of education and experience PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Certified Group

Lab Assistant

Tustin, CA

Basic knowledge of testing laboratory practices and general laboratory procedures. * One or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred. * Competency with Laboratory ...

Certified Group

Lab Assistant

Tustin, CA · On-site

Basic knowledge of testing laboratory practices and general laboratory procedures. * One or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred. * Competency with Laboratory ...

Certified Group

Micro Technician

Turlock, CA · On-site

Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory * Ability to travel is preferred * Or equivalent combination of education and experience PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Certified Group

Microbiology Lab Tech

Turlock, CA

$19 - $21/hr

Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory * Ability to travel is preferred * Or equivalent combination of education and experience PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Certified Group

Chemistry Lab Tech

Tustin, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory * BS degree in Life Science or related field preferred * Ability to travel is preferred * Or equivalent combination ...

Capitol Food Company

R&D Technician

La Mirada, CA

$18 - $22/hr

QualificationsInterest in food preparation, food testing, product development, or food science.Previous experience in a kitchen, food-manufacturing, laboratory, quality, or R&D environment is ...

Certified Group

Chemistry Lab Tech

Tustin, CA

$21 - $24/hr

Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory * BS degree in Life Science or related field preferred * Ability to travel is preferred * Or equivalent combination ...

Certified Group

Microbiology Technician 2

Burbank, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory * Ability to travel is preferred * Or equivalent combination of education and experience PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Certified Group

Microbiology Lab Tech

Turlock, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory * Ability to travel is preferred * Or equivalent combination of education and experience PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Harken Research

Customer Service Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

... testing laboratory located in Pasadena with two core business units: consumer product testing and pharmaceutical contract research. Within the consumer product testing unit dietary supplements, food ...

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Food Testing Laboratory information

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How much do food testing laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for food testing laboratory in California is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food testing laboratory?

A Food Testing Laboratory job involves analyzing food products for safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards. Professionals in this field test for contaminants, nutritional content, shelf life, and overall product integrity. They use specialized equipment and scientific methods to ensure food is safe for consumption and meets industry regulations. Workers may be responsible for microbiological, chemical, and physical testing of food samples.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a food testing laboratory role?

In a Food Testing Laboratory, your typical day involves preparing and testing food samples to check for contaminants, nutritional content, and regulatory compliance. You’ll operate specialized laboratory equipment, follow detailed standard operating procedures, and record results accurately in laboratory management systems. Collaboration with colleagues and communication with supervisors or quality assurance teams is common to ensure timely testing and data integrity. This role also includes maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment, calibrating instruments, and sometimes assisting with method development or validation projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the food testing laboratory position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Food Testing Laboratory, you need a strong background in chemistry, microbiology, and food science, usually supported by a degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as spectrophotometers, chromatography systems, and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is essential, along with knowledge of industry regulations like ISO 17025 and HACCP. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this position. These competencies ensure accurate analysis, compliance with safety standards, and efficient collaboration in a highly regulated laboratory environment.

What are popular job titles related to Food Testing Laboratory jobs in California?

For Food Testing Laboratory jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Testing Laboratory jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Testing Laboratory jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Testing Laboratory jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Testing Laboratory job openings:

Food Testing Laboratory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Testing Laboratory job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Food Chemist

Michelson Laboratories, Inc

Commerce, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance


Full job description

Michelson Laboratories is a leading food testing laboratory based in Southern California. Since 1970, Michelson Laboratories has provided efficient testing and analyses to an extensive spectrum of customers. We have a broad-based background and are thoroughly proficient in a diverse range of industries.

Our Chemistry Laboratory provides a wide range of services and is staffed with industry leading chemists. We are expanding our Chemistry department in our Commerce location and are looking for a Food Chemist. The Chemist will be responsible for performing analytical testing of food products.

Responsibilities for Senior Chemist:

·Review and approve data for Nutritional Labeling requests for various food products

Perform titrations, extractions and analyze data for antibiotic residues, carcinogens, and other harmful chemical compounds

-Troubleshoot and operate analytical instruments such as LC/MS/MS, HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, etc.

-Troubleshoot or implement new test methods, ensure overall compliance to all regulatory and QA/QC requirements

-Act as technical resource to other analysts within the department and to our clients

-Prepare and review data packages/reports for reporting

-Assist with special projects, method development and optimization

-Review and update Standard Operating Procedures as needed.

· Preparation of chemical reagents, standards, and samples for analysis

· Maintaining detailed records of testing, quality activities, and chemical preparations

· Ensure all analyses meet the turnaround time

· Other duties as needed

Qualifications for Senior Chemist:

· Master's Degree in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, or other related sciences required.

· Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

· Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities

· Ability to organize, prioritize and direct work activities; attention to detail

· Time Management - ability to achieve results within expected time periods

This Food Chemist position is a full-time position. Must have a flexible schedule and be available to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.

Michelson Laboratories, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

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