Lab Associate Jobs in Saint Cloud, MN (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: QC Lead – Day Shift

Job Description

The QC Lead oversees laboratory and microbiological analysis to ensure that high-quality beverage products are consistently produced. This role combines hands-on lab work with floor-based quality activities, providing well-rounded experience in food and beverage quality control. The QC Lead serves as a key resource for analytical testing, documentation, and training, helping to maintain strong food safety and quality standards across the production process.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological analysis of products, water, and the production environment to verify safety and quality.
• Conduct taste tests to ensure products meet established flavor and quality standards.
• Accurately collect samples for testing, including energy drinks, sweetener samples, raw water, treated water, sanitation rinse water, and post-sanitation swabs, while maintaining sample integrity.
• Identify, perform, and document Gluten Free and allergen testing in accordance with product and regulatory requirements.
• Review and ensure batching sheets are completed correctly and within specification before sign-off.
• Perform product testing on energy drinks and related beverages, including but not limited to CO2, air, volumes, seam checks, pH, brix, flavor, and other parameters as required.
• Conduct Titratable Acidity analysis on products to confirm they meet quality specifications.
• Perform HPLC analysis of products to measure caffeine and preservative levels accurately.
• Ensure accuracy and proper calibration of all measuring and analytical devices used in the lab and on the floor.
• Accurately record, document, and maintain results from product analysis in appropriate logs and systems.
• Prepare and send Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and microbiological reports to customers in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain Yield Tracking Analysis to monitor and improve production efficiency and product consistency.
• Update titration folders and microbiology folders for new products and formulas, keeping documentation current and organized.
• Monitor and control reference room samples and product retains to support traceability and quality investigations.
• Ensure product analysis and microbiological plating are performed correctly, consistently, and as required by procedures.
• Oversee the training and onboarding of new Lab Technicians, providing guidance on lab procedures, equipment, and quality standards.
• Perform HPLC preventative maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and train others on proper operation and care of the equipment.
• Create and organize yearly testing folders to support ongoing quality programs and audits.
• Adhere to and comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality production standards as outlined in company policies.
• Follow and promote food safety requirements, ensuring all testing and documentation support safe, compliant products.
• Create and update laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect current practices and improvements.
• Ensure all weekly and daily lab duties are completed accurately, on time, and in accordance with established procedures.
• Create production sheets when needed to support batching, testing, and documentation requirements.
• Collaborate closely with other team members to complete the QC workload and maintain quality throughout the production process.
• Demonstrate high accuracy and attention to detail in all testing, documentation, and communication.
• Apply sound reasoning and problem-solving skills to address quality issues, equipment problems, and process deviations.
• Multitask effectively and manage time efficiently while maintaining composure in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform manufacturing line audits, line checks, and line inspections to verify adherence to quality standards.
• Maintain thorough documentation of QC checks, laboratory activities, and manufacturing line audits.
• Perform all other quality-related duties as assigned to support lab operations and production quality.

Essential Skills

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (AA or BA/BS) in a scientific discipline such as Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in food quality or food and beverage quality control.
• Demonstrated experience in quality control within a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Previous lead or oversight experience in a lab or quality role, including training and guiding other staff.
• Strong knowledge of analytical testing equipment and methods, including calibration and routine maintenance.
• Experience with microbial testing techniques and aseptic technique in a laboratory setting.
• Proficiency in wet chemistry methods used in food and beverage analysis.
• Experience performing QC checks, line checks, and line inspections on manufacturing lines.
• Strong data and documentation skills, including accurate recording of test results and maintenance of quality records.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to lab and production personnel.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in testing, documentation, and analysis.
• Good reasoning and problem-solving skills for addressing quality and process issues.
• Ability to multitask and utilize time efficiently in a busy lab and production environment while maintaining composure.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in analytical and microbiology laboratories within a food or beverage manufacturing setting.
• Background in biology, chemistry, or related laboratory science, including familiarity with HPLC analysis.
• Experience with Titratable Acidity testing, pH measurement, brix analysis, and other beverage quality parameters.
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety principles in a production environment.
• Familiarity with yield tracking and production efficiency analysis.
• Ability to create, update, and maintain laboratory SOPs and testing documentation.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional production and quality teams.
• Positive references confirming strong data/documentation capabilities and clear communication.
• Interest in building a well-rounded skill set across both lab and floor-based quality functions, supporting future career growth in quality, operations, or technical roles.

Work Environment

This role is based in a contract mixing and bottling manufacturing environment that also includes a full brewery operation. The organization operates two manufacturing sites, each equipped with analytical and microbiology laboratories to verify product quality. The QC Lead works approximately 50% in the lab and 50% on the production floor, providing a balanced mix of technical testing and hands-on line support. The position is on a day shift schedule, typically from 5:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on a rotating pattern (commonly 2 days on, 2 days off, followed by a 3-day rotating weekend) as part of a designated team. The facility focuses on producing well-recognized beverage brands, offering exposure to modern processing, bottling, and analytical technologies. The quality team structure includes leadership and supervisory support on both day and night shifts, fostering collaboration and internal mobility. The culture emphasizes strong tenure, opportunities for internal advancement, and continued growth, making this environment attractive for professionals seeking long-term development and a broad, marketable experience in food and beverage quality.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cold Spring, MN.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/hr.

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 Cold Spring,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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 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 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.