Quality Control - Lab Tech II

National Beverage•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

The Quality Control Technician is responsible for quality programs and functions, including maintaining HACCP and food-safety records, conducting plant audits and mock recalls, and training plant personnel on related procedures. The role performs testing to validate the microbiological quality of ingredients, suppliers, and packaging, and provides test data to support the production of high-quality products. Testing covers current and new concentrate ingredients, in-process and finished concentrates, and beverage products in development and finished products. The technician also works with the R&D Team on new product launches. The position supports quality and production operations by following documented procedures, testing and evaluating batches and products, troubleshooting issues, taking corrective action, and helping supervisors address quality concerns and improve production efficiency. Work may take place in manufacturing and warehouse plants and other locations as directed by a supervisor. The role requires flexibility to work a full-time schedule that may include weekends and holidays, and transportation to various locations in the organization’s service areas.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred, or equivalent experience.
Two to three years of hands-on work experience in the carbonated soft drink industry preferred.
Experience with quality-control testing procedures and internal and external sanitation of beverage equipment, with understanding of blending, product attributes, recordkeeping, and yields.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft business applications and reporting software; proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word is required.
Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
Ability to understand and follow all OSHA-required training.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Favorable background and drug exam.
Ability and willingness to work a flexible full-time schedule that may include weekends and holidays.
Must provide own transportation to various locations in organizational service areas as required by duties.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common information, reports, and other documents; respond to common inquiries or complaints; and present information effectively to management.
Ability to walk, stand for long periods, sit, talk, hear, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, bend, squat, reach, and turn; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience.
Two to three years of hands-on work experience in the carbonated soft drink industry.

Responsibilities

Maintain HACCP and food-safety records, plant audits, and mock recall programs; train plant personnel on related issues and procedures.
Test current and new ingredients, suppliers, and packaging to validate microbiological quality, and provide data to support high-quality products.
Test concentrate ingredients in process and finished concentrates, as well as beverage products in development and finished products.
Work with the R&D Team on new product launches.
Understand cleaning agents and their applications, including cleaners and sanitizers for external and internal use.
Document and follow procedures in the frequency guide and applicable standards.
Complete batch reports, calculate batch-size variations, and document formula-related attributes, standards, and other required data.
Measure and mix products according to established procedures.
Evaluate and troubleshoot batches and make corrections.
Perform testing, evaluations, and documentation of results in accordance with procedures.
Troubleshoot production-line issues and take corrective action.
Prepare batch tanks for batching, including tank rinsing, sanitation, odor checks, and tasting.
Perform the internal pest-control program, including locating, checking, and cleaning stations and maintaining documentation.
Assist supervisors with quality-control issues, track quality trends, and recommend and implement plans to improve quality and production efficiency.
Support compliance with federal and state legislation by establishing and enforcing quality standards and testing materials and products.
Collect, analyze, and summarize process-quality information and trends.