Laboratory Technician

Simmons Foods•Siloam Springs, AR

14d•Onsite

About The Position

Supports the overall facility quality assurance program and the specialized positions within the department. This role involves conducting in-plant analysis and audits of production/quality records, ensuring sample collection and analysis for various post-process measurements, and managing sample libraries. The technician will also be responsible for reporting deviations, administering sample collection, reviewing finished goods and raw material analysis, and collaborating with R&D. Additionally, the role requires inputting and verifying data, conducting daily calibrations, and creating reports to communicate information to other departments. The position also emphasizes teamwork, adherence to Simmons Operating Systems principles, and performing other duties as necessary to support business objectives.

Requirements

Minimum Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
Computer skills including functional knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Gmail.
Thermal Processing knowledge & double seam knowledge required if the position supports a Pet Food facility.
Some Quality Assurance or Quality Control experience preferred.
Working knowledge of current laboratory procedures, HACCP principles and plant GMPs.

Nice To Haves

Industry Experience: Preference for food processing organization.
Preferred Education: Bachelor’s or 2-year degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field or some college level Science courses (i.e. general chemistry).

Responsibilities

Conducts in plant analysis and in facility audit of production / quality records as determined by the Quality Manager.
Ensures sample collection and analysis for various post process measurements, including primary and secondary packaging, product evaluation, sample library management, collection of samples for product deviation evaluation and the incubation program.
Collects samples for outside laboratory analysis and customer positive release program.
Responsible for conducting post process examination on samples and reporting all deviations to the Quality Manager.
Administers sample collection in accordance with facility sampling program, including post process panels, external analysis, customer positive release, incubation, product deviations, and sample retains.
Responsible for the review of Finished Goods and Raw Material Analysis for compliance.
Collaborates with R&D to ensure Finished Product Specifications are up to date and correct.
Inputs Quality line check data, external laboratory results and panel/internal analysis results into system.
Compiles, sorts and verifies accuracy of data to be entered.
Conducts required post process evaluations, including standard post process samples, incubation and product deviations.
Conducts daily calibrations related to tests performed.
Uses spreadsheet program to enter and save numerical data.
Manages information including editing, creating, manipulating, entering and retrieving data from databases.
Creates reports to communicate information to other departments.
Participates as a member of the Team, including ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies.
Coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members.
Attends appropriate team meetings.
Fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc.
Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.
Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.
Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives.