Lab Technician

fairlife • Goodyear, AZ

11h • Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Technician monitors and performs qualitative/quantitative testing of process and product attributes to ensure food safety and food quality. This role ensures compliance with all applicable regulations such as the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and standards such as GFSI (Global Food Safety), and third-party audits like Siliker, Kosher, and Organic requirements. The technician ensures processes, work in progress, incoming goods, and finished product meet specifications. Key functions include the interpretation of testing results for product release, processing documentation for non-conforming product, and communicating information to plant management.

Requirements

• High School diploma at a minimum.
• At least one or more years with previous laboratory with microbiology and chemistry experience required.
• Must be accurate and precise in testing procedures and mix formulation calculations and have a keen sense of odors and flavors.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to read, write and interpret documents such as safety rules, procedure manuals and mathematical calculations.
• Must have the ability to read, comprehend and follow technical instructions, effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.
• Must have the ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Must be able to speak and understand English fluently.
• Must have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Must have the ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed and involved written or oral instructions and mathematical calculations.
• Must have the ability to prioritize and organize.
• Must have the ability to demonstrate superb decision-making ability to determine best course of action in assessing test results.
• Must possess basic computer skills; knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet programs required.
• Knowledgeable with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), safety programs and procedures.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• Experience in a food production environment preferred.
• Knowledge of MS Office and SAP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Check butterfat, total solids, pH, acidity, flavor, odor, cryoscopy, viscosity, brix, HR-1, 2 &3, temperatures, antibiotics, coliform, DMC, DMSCC and SPC.
• Calculate formulas and accelerated shelf life testing.
• Perform in-plant weight checks, temperature checks, ingredient usage and distribution, and code date verification.
• Perform environmental testing and Pre-op swabbing and maintain all records.
• Conduct pathogen monitoring on raw & finished products and maintain results.
• Responsible for hold/release/rejection of finished goods and raw materials.
• Maintain all lab records, internal and external lab results, inspection reports, vitamin log, water & glycol records.
• Coordinate and maintain all third-party laboratory testing programs.
• Responsible for maintaining proper calibration standards.
• Responsible for daily finished product evaluation and Appendix N antibiotic testing.
• Assist with state and federal lab inspections.
• Perform sensory evaluation of raw material and finished product.
• Help control plant losses.
• Complete all duties in a manner that is consistent with all aspects of the company safety rules and good manufacturing practices.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Manager or Supervisor on duty.
• Responsible for microbiological testing/documentation of finished and in-process products; interpret the results and retest/report abnormalities as needed; generate standard report of results.
• Conduct routine inspection of processing areas including documentation to ensure that all documentation is present and correct and that all areas comply with GMPs and sanitation requirements.
• Perform Quality Team Audits, including Good Manufacturing Practices and Housekeeping.
• Manage the laboratory operations, maintain lab equipment and supplies.
• Must be able to work with chemicals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED