Quality Control Lab Tech

National Beverage Corp•Houston, TX

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 high-quality production. Testing covers concentrate ingredients, in-process and finished concentrates, and beverages in development and as finished products. The technician also works with the R&D team on new product launches. The position supports quality and production operations by following established procedures, documenting results, troubleshooting batches and production lines, and helping address quality issues. Work may take place in manufacturing and warehouse plants and other locations as directed by a supervisor. The role requires a flexible full-time schedule that may include weekends and holidays, and transportation to various locations in the service area.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience; a diploma or GED is preferred.
Two to three years of hands-on work experience in the carbonated soft drink industry is preferred.
Experience with quality-control testing procedures and internal and external sanitation of beverage equipment, with understanding of blending, product attributes, recordkeeping, and yields.
Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word; strong computer skills with Microsoft business applications and reporting software.
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
Ability to understand and follow OSHA-required training.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must pass a favorable background check 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 the organizational service area as required by duties.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common information, reports, and other documents; respond to common inquiries or complaints; and effectively present information to management.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and meet the described physical demands.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Maintain HACCP and food safety records, plant audits, mock recall programs, and related training for plant personnel.
Test ingredients, suppliers, packaging, concentrates, and beverage products to evaluate microbiological quality and product attributes.
Provide test data to support production of high-quality products and 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 work and follow procedures in the frequency guide and applicable standards.
Complete batch reports, calculate variations in batch sizes, and record attributes, standards, and other formula-required information.
Measure and mix materials according to proper 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, 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.
Read, analyze, and interpret information and reports; respond to inquiries or complaints; and present information to management.
Follow OSHA-required training and procedures.
Travel to various locations in the organizational service area as required by job duties.