Lab Technician

fairlife•Goodyear, AZ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory 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 Silliker, Kosher, and Organic requirements. The technician ensures processes, work in progress, incoming goods, and in-process product meet specifications. Responsibilities include the interpretation of testing results for product release, and processing documentation for non-conforming product, communicating information to plant management.

Requirements

Must have 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.
Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

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.
Performs in plant weight checks, temperature checks, ingredient usage and distribution, code date verification.
Performs environmental testing and Pre-op swabbing and maintains all records.
Conducts pathogen monitoring on raw & finished products and maintains results.
Responsible for hold/release/rejection of finished goods and raw materials.
Maintains all lab records, internal and external lab results, inspection reports, vitamin log, water & glycol records.
Coordinates and maintains all third-party laboratory testing programs.
Responsible for maintaining proper calibration standards.
Responsible for daily finished product evaluation and Appendix N antibiotic testing.
Assists with state and federal lab inspections.
Performs sensory evaluation of raw material and finished product.
Helps control plant losses.
Completes all duties in a manner that is consistent with all aspects of the company safety rules and good manufacturing practices.
Performs 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.
Performs 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