Lab Associate Jobs in Goleta, CA (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT KATE FARMS

Kate Farms is a company with heart. Our company was founded on the belief that good nutrition leads to good health, and good health opens the door to endless possibilities. That's why our mission is to make nutrition the cornerstone of healthcare so people can live their best lives. We are a medical food company that makes complete nutrition formulas for people who have a medical need for liquid nutrition.

Kate Farms works to be the place where a diverse mix of talented individuals want to come, stay, and do their best work. Ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is at the core of Kate Farms' values. We are an equal-opportunity employer and fully focused on equality; we believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. We invite you to do the best work of your life with us at Kate Farms.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Kate Farms is seeking a temporary Quality Control Lab Technician to join our Quality and Regulatory Affairs team through the end of 2026. This six-month assignment will provide additional laboratory support for commercial product testing and Quality Control operations.

In this role, you will perform physical laboratory testing, support product release activities, maintain laboratory equipment, manage samples and supplies, and assist with data entry and documentation. Working alongside our Quality Control team, you'll help ensure our products consistently meet the highest standards for quality, safety, and performance. This position is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants to gain experience in the food and nutrition industry.

This is a temporary position expected to continue through December 31, 2026, and is based on-site at our Innovation & Quality Center in Goleta, California.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Perform routine and non-routine finished product testing following established SOPs.
• Conduct physical testing including pH, viscosity, density, solids analysis, and other laboratory evaluations.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Record test results accurately within LIMS and report any out-of-specification results.
• Assist with investigations and documentation as needed.
• Support third-party laboratory sample submissions, shipping, tracking, and data management.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, supplies, and retention samples.
• Follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and all food safety and quality procedures.
• Handle and dispose of laboratory materials in accordance with safety regulations.
• Assist with additional Quality Control projects as assigned.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WITH

• High school diploma or GED required. Associate's degree or coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific field preferred.
• One to three years of laboratory, quality control, or manufacturing experience preferred; experience in a food, beverage, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other GMP-regulated environment is a plus.
• Ability to work independently after initial training and manage multiple laboratory priorities with minimal supervision.
• Confidence working in a laboratory environment and handling biological and chemical materials safely.
• Experience following SOPs and documenting laboratory results with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Basic math proficiency and experience using Microsoft Excel.
• Self-motivation to manage time and prioritize changing workloads.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Capacity to demonstrate a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Strong commitment to company mission and values.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Capability to respectfully share and accept feedback willingly from all levels of the organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Effectively handle lifting of various objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee will be required to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb stairs.
• Requires ability to frequently alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This position will work on-site in Goleta, CA.

Compensation for this role is in the form of an hourly rate of pay. The typical starting salary range for new hires in this role is listed below. This range represents the lowest to highest salary range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. Please note that base pay offered may vary depending on factors including your geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background verification.

$24 - $25 / hour USD

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization as directed by the management of the company.