Quality Assurance Lab Technician (Night Shift)
About The Position
The Quality Assurance Lab Technician is responsible for the quality and food safety of in-process and finished products. The role maintains accurate laboratory records, leads investigations into quality or food safety deviations, identifies root causes, and helps implement corrective actions. The technician also supports the site’s food safety, sanitation, GMP, and audit-readiness programs. The position works primarily in a laboratory within a manufacturing facility, with frequent movement between the lab and production floor and possible work in refrigerated or temperature-controlled areas. The environment may involve noise, temperature variation, and food-grade chemicals and cleaning agents. GMPs, PPE requirements, and food safety protocols must be followed at all times.
Requirements
- High school diploma required.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize and multitask.
- Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods; bend, stoop, kneel, or crawl; and reach, grasp, and lift up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in a science field.
- Manufacturing experience, preferably with an emphasis in food and QFS.
- Competency in Microsoft Windows and Office.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and report deviations from food safety and quality programs to the immediate supervisor.
- Collect and test finished products at designated times, including butterfat, particle size, and freezing point testing.
- Verify packaging is correct at all stages.
- Verify raw milk loads before receipt.
- Perform visual inspections, ATP swabbing, and hydrogen peroxide residual testing.
- Perform sensory evaluations on finished products.
- Conduct daily calibration checks and maintenance on laboratory equipment.
- Maintain accurate and complete laboratory testing records.
- Identify quality or food safety deviations, conduct investigations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Prepare chemicals safely for use.
- Perform testing and verifications as needed, including allergens, rework, slurries, and CIP processes.
- Collect and test barn samples from each received load for components, herd health, and microbial growth.
- Perform plating primarily using the petri-film method and maintain a clean work area.
- Pipette incubated samples for testing with EPIC, a bioluminescence system that detects ATP.
- Clean the laboratory weekly and complete other assigned MSS items.
- Promote awareness of QFS, sanitation, and GMPs.
- Participate in the site food safety walkthrough program and help identify issues.
- Help maintain readiness for SQF, FDA, and SMB audits.
- Perform additional tasks delegated by the Quality Supervisor or Quality Manager.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
