Quality Control Laboratory Manager Jobs in California

Leading manufacturer in adhesives, sealants, and polymers is looking for a QC laboratory technician to join their team! Opportunity to gain experience in a manufacturing environment!

*BS in Chemistry or related field is required*

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 1+ years of experience in a quality control, laboratory, or related operations environment, with strong cross-functional communication
• Experience performing chemical, physical, and visual testing in a laboratory or production setting.
• Ability to interpret test results and determine appropriate batch or raw material adjustments to meet specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in testing, documentation, and data entry.
• Experience using ERP systems, preferably SAP, for entering test results, making usage decisions, and creating notifications.
• Willingness to follow safety procedures, wear appropriate PPE, and work in an environment with strong odors associated with adhesives.

Job Description

The Quality Control Laboratory Technician supports the manufacturing process by performing accurate and timely quality testing on raw materials, bulk batches, and finished products. This role ensures that all materials meet specifications, communicates test results and required batch adjustments to production operators, and initiates investigations for non-conforming materials. The technician plays a critical role as a gatekeeper for production quality, helping streamline testing processes and supporting continuous improvement within the facility.

Responsibilities

• Execute and adhere to all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) requirements, maintain a safe work environment, and follow internal safety rules and procedures, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate in general housekeeping of the plant and laboratory areas to maintain a clean, organized, and safe 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 standard test procedures.
• Determine appropriate 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 timely usage decisions (accept or reject) for raw materials, bulk batches, and finished goods in SAP.
• Collect and store retain samples of raw materials, bulk batches, and finished products as required for traceability and future reference.
• Take immediate action on internal non-conformances by creating notifications in SAP and conducting initial investigations with operators.
• Support customer complaint investigations by reviewing batch records and examining retain samples to help identify root causes.
• Maintain critical laboratory equipment and inventory of supplies to ensure continuous, uninterrupted quality control support.
• Review the daily production schedule and ensure test equipment, reagents, and materials 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 activities.
• Attend monthly meetings focused on quality, safety, housekeeping, and waste minimization, and contribute to ongoing improvement initiatives.
• Communicate all critical issues and problems related to quality control test equipment and potential testing delays to management in a timely manner.
• Collaborate as a team player, volunteering to help where needed to complete work and enhance skills.
• Work under the guidance and direction of laboratory staff and facility technical leadership while developing greater independence over time.
• Help streamline the testing process by identifying and implementing more efficient ways of working, reducing duplication of effort among team members.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory setting within a manufacturing facility that produces adhesive products. The environment involves working closely with production operations and requires strong project and time management skills to support a dynamic production schedule. The lab and facility have a strong adhesive-related smell, and candidates should be comfortable working in an area with noticeable odors; this will be made clear and visible during onsite interviews. The position involves regular use of laboratory test equipment, reagents, and an ERP system (SAP), along with common office technologies such as Excel, Teams, and Outlook. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, and adherence to safety procedures is essential. The work culture emphasizes teamwork, proactive communication, housekeeping, safety, quality, and continuous improvement, with opportunities for long-term growth for individuals who are open to expanding their responsibilities and potentially relocating in the future.

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.

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 Jul 30, 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.