QA Lab Assistant 4:30pm - 1:00am
About The Position
The QA Lab Assistant supports daily testing and quality monitoring of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished sauces and condiments. The role works closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Warehouse, and R&D to help ensure products meet quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements before shipment. The scheduled shift is 4:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Responsibilities include collecting samples; performing routine laboratory tests and sensory or visual checks; supporting production-floor inspections; following GMP, HACCP, and food safety procedures; and reporting non-conformances or potential food safety concerns to the QA Supervisor. The assistant records test results, maintains quality and laboratory records, supports audit readiness, and helps manage retain samples and supplies. The role also involves calibrating, cleaning, and performing basic maintenance on laboratory equipment; keeping the lab clean, organized, and stocked; safely handling reagents and chemicals; and using required PPE. The assistant communicates results and quality issues to relevant teams and supports projects such as shelf-life studies, new product trials, and customer or third-party audits.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Basic knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety practices.
- Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment such as pH meters, refractometers, scales, and viscometers.
- Strong attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
- Basic computer skills, including Excel and data entry in a quality or ERP system.
- Clear communication skills and comfort working with production and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a plant environment with exposure to varying temperatures and noise.
Nice To Haves
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
- One or more years of laboratory, quality assurance, or food manufacturing experience; entry-level candidates with relevant coursework are welcome to apply.
- PCQI, HACCP, or SQF training.
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
Responsibilities
- Collect samples of incoming raw materials, in-process batches, and finished products according to sampling plans and SOPs.
- Perform routine laboratory tests, including pH, Brix, viscosity, salt/sodium, moisture, water activity, and net weight checks; verify results against product specifications.
- Conduct sensory and visual checks of samples for color, aroma, taste, and appearance, and flag out-of-standard results.
- Support in-line production-floor inspections, including label, code date, seal, and packaging checks.
- Follow GMP, HACCP, and food safety procedures; promptly report non-conformances or potential food safety concerns to the QA Supervisor.
- Assist with product holds, retains, and sample disposition as directed.
- Record test results accurately and promptly in lab logs, batch records, and the quality system.
- Help maintain retain sample inventory, calibration records, and laboratory supply logs.
- Keep records complete, legible, and organized to support audit readiness.
- Calibrate, clean, and perform basic maintenance on laboratory equipment.
- Keep the laboratory clean, organized, and stocked; handle reagents and chemicals safely and follow safety rules, including wearing required PPE.
- Communicate test results and quality issues clearly to Production, Warehouse, and QA team members.
- Support special projects, including shelf-life studies, new product trials, and customer or third-party audits.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan through Principal
- Two weeks of vacation
- Ten paid holidays
- Five sick days
- Annual one-day birthday time off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
