QA Lab Technician (Dairy Plant) | Day Shift

Shamrock Foods•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The QA Lab Technician uses laboratory and standardized testing procedures to verify the quality and food safety of fluid dairy, non-dairy beverages, sour cream, cottage cheese, and other products against regulatory and internal specifications. The role helps maintain the integrity of Shamrock Foods and its customers’ brands. The technician follows required safe-work practices, including Good Manufacturing Practices, use of required PPE in designated areas, confined-space safety, safe chemical handling, and fall restraints. The role performs routine product and environmental testing, interprets results, documents findings, supports corrective actions, and coordinates with laboratory, production, warehouse, and QA personnel. It also includes evaluating ingredients and packaging, maintaining and calibrating equipment, cleaning and sterilizing the lab, and coaching production associates on quality and sanitation practices. The position requires regular and reliable attendance and the ability to meet the department’s operational demands, which may include overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays. Starting compensation is $23.15 per hour.

Requirements

At least 2 years of related experience.
A combination of relevant work experience and education.
Minimum skill rating of Quality Assurance Technician II (Floor/Micro).
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Availability to meet departmental demands, which may include overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to work with reasonable accommodations in an environment containing major food allergens.
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 testing procedures to measure and report product quality standards at the required frequency.
Interpret laboratory test results, identify issues promptly, and help ensure they are resolved.
Communicate with the lab supervisor, production personnel, and warehouse associates to support timely correction of issues.
Interpret and submit samples and required documentation for co-pack vendors.
Evaluate raw ingredients and packaging for quality and prevent substandard materials from being used in production.
Deliver supplies and laboratory specimens to designated work areas.
Clean and sterilize the laboratory area, equipment, and instruments regularly to avoid sample contamination.
Conduct equipment swab tests to confirm equipment cleanliness.
Calibrate laboratory and production equipment at appropriate intervals.
Maintain finished-product reports based on laboratory analysis.
Coach production associates in the assigned area on GMPs, sanitation, and quality checks to identify risks that could lead to non-conforming product.
Audit batching, processing, and filler paperwork and escalate issues when non-conformances are found.
Coordinate communication between manufacturing associates and QA personnel.
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.
Perform other duties as assigned.