QA Lab Technician

Shamrock Foods Company•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The QA Lab Technician uses laboratory and standardized testing procedures to verify that fluid dairy, non-dairy beverages, sour cream, cottage cheese, and other products meet regulatory and internal quality and food-safety specifications. The role helps protect the integrity of Shamrock Foods and its customers’ brands by identifying and communicating product or process issues and supporting timely correction. The technician follows required safe-work practices, including Good Manufacturing Practices, use of designated personal protective equipment, confined-space safety, safe chemical handling, and fall restraints. The position conducts product, ingredient, packaging, environmental, and equipment testing; interprets and documents results; supports production and warehouse teams; and maintains laboratory cleanliness, calibration, and records. The role also coaches production associates on GMPs, sanitation, and quality checks and audits manufacturing paperwork. Department demands may include overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays. The work takes place in a fast-paced manufacturing environment that contains major food allergens, with reasonable accommodations available.

Requirements

At least 2 years of related experience.
A combination of relevant work experience and education may be considered.
Minimum skill rating of Quality Assurance Technician II (Floor/Micro).
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to work with reasonable accommodations in an environment containing major food allergens.
Availability to meet department demands, which may include overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to regularly climb stairs and occasionally climb ladders.
Ability to occasionally lift 50 pounds unassisted.
Ability to work on foot for extended periods.
Ability to frequently reach up to 52 inches.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Dairy Science, Food Science, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Use laboratory equipment and standardized procedures to measure and report product quality at required frequencies.
Interpret laboratory results, identify issues promptly, and support their resolution.
Communicate with the lab supervisor, production personnel, warehouse associates, manufacturing associates, and QA personnel to coordinate timely correction of issues.
Interpret and submit samples and required documentation for co-pack vendors.
Evaluate raw ingredients and packaging for quality before production use.
Deliver supplies and laboratory specimens to designated work areas.
Regularly clean and sterilize the lab area, equipment, and instruments to prevent sample contamination.
Conduct equipment swab tests to confirm equipment cleanliness.
Calibrate laboratory and production equipment at appropriate frequencies.
Maintain finished-product reports based on laboratory analysis.
Coach production associates on GMPs, sanitation, and quality checks to identify risks that could lead to non-conforming product.
Audit batching, processing, and filler paperwork and escalate identified non-conformances.
Use Petrifilm plates to test water, air, ingredient, and product samples for microbial activity.
Conduct environmental testing for pathogens.
Interpret and submit Petrifilm results used to approve product.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and perform other duties as assigned.