Flavor Lab Technician

Parker Flavors•Baltimore, MD

37d

About The Position

Are you passionate about food science and hands-on lab work? The Lab Technician is a critical contributor to our product innovation and customer experience. In this role, you’ll support the New Product Development (NPD) process by preparing samples, conducting quality testing, and maintaining an organized, efficient lab environment. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally with Flavorists, Sales, Quality Control, Operations, and Customer Service to ensure timely sample delivery, accurate formulations, and smooth process changes. You’ll also communicate directly with customers and suppliers, making this a highly visible role within the organization. This position reports to the Quality Assurance Lead.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science (food science preferred)
Food manufacturing as a technician, quality control, or similar discipline (0–2 years)
Lab experience
Aptitude of sensory evaluation with keen sense of smell, sight including color perception abilities, and taste
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Dedication to product quality, thoroughness, detail, and consistency
Strong and proactive written and verbal communication
Time management with ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Computer skills with ability to use Microsoft Office suite and CRM and ERP systems
Strong critical thinking capabilities
Knowledge of mass and volumetric units of measure and ability to convert them
See, smell, and taste products which may contain allergens (milk, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and soy), alcohol, and sulfites
Use generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food chemicals and cleaning chemicals
Remain stationary while conducting testing occasionally
Stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; majority of the workday
Climb ladder and mobile staircase, balance, kneel, crouch, and use extension pole occasionally
Remain stationary at desk and use computer frequently
Lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
Carry up to 30 pounds occasionally

Nice To Haves

Sample preparation for food manufacturing company (preferred)
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) (preferred)
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) (preferred)
Safe Quality Food (SQF) (preferred)

Responsibilities

New Product Development
NPD Samples
Record formula, notes, and costing into enterprise resource planning (ERP) and NPD software
Research and order raw materials for new products
Prepare new product or prototype samples for sensory evaluation, testing, and shipment to customer
Collect supplier documentation for new raw materials
Ensure QC tests are performed on new samples
Conduct shelf-life testing of new products
Maintain retains of samples shipped to customers
Standard Samples
Prepare sample and coordinate with Production to be shipped
Communicate with customer and Sales that samples have shipped
Record sample into customer relationship management (CRM) and ERP software for sales transaction
Lab Maintenance
Ensure lab is kept clean, stocked, organized, and secure
Maintain raw material and standard sample shelf inventory within shelf-life dates
Order lab supplies and raw materials as needed
Conduct internal audit of lab to ensure compliance with Lean principles
Customer Service
Respond to customer questions and requests for documentation
Quality
Conduct daily adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing and protein residue testing and analyze data.
Assist in daily sensory and QC testing
Communicate all out-of-compliance situations and product standards to Quality Assurance Lead and Production
Conduct facility audit to ensure compliance with pre-requisite and food safety programs
Assist in maintenance of food safety management system (FSMS)
General
Support continuous improvements to enhance processes, increase efficiency, and reduce waste
Perform other related duties assigned by management