Quality Control Sensory Technician - Erlanger, KY

Archer Daniels Midland • Erlanger, KY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Control Sensory Technician conducts routine quality control testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products while maintaining data integrity and laboratory excellence. The role also contributes to the site sensory program by performing evaluations, coordinating sensory activities, maintaining sensory data, and supporting sensory-related investigations and continuous improvement.

The technician performs sensory evaluations in accordance with ADM standards and procedures and serves as a primary resource for sensory testing on their shift. They coordinate evaluations for production, quality, customer, and product development needs; maintain sensory reference standards, supplies, and documentation; and collect, analyze, trend, and communicate sensory data. The role also supports panelist recruitment, calibration, training, and performance monitoring, and provides guidance to laboratory personnel on sensory practices.

The position collaborates with Quality, Operations, R&D, and Commercial teams and may assist with investigations related to out-of-specification results, customer complaints, product deviations, or other quality concerns. Employees at this location may be exposed to chemicals and food allergens. The position requires movement, standing while working, and extended computer use. Successful completion of a background check is required.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in food science, biology, or a related laboratory-based field.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and similar tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality requirements.
• Willingness to innovate and adapt best practices.
• Ability to encourage trust between Operations, Development, Supply Chain, and Quality departments.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with organoleptic testing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine QC testing and analysis of raw materials, intermediate batches, and finished products.
• Maintain data integrity and follow company and regulatory best practices for data transcription.
• Participate in investigations of out-of-specification results and report findings to the local QC manager or senior QC members.
• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory workspace and organize samples appropriately.
• Participate in training to ensure consistency of testing and follow laboratory cleaning practices.
• Identify methodology issues and support investigations into testing accuracy.
• Communicate failures that could cause supply chain delays.
• Perform sensory assessments in accordance with ADM practices and sensory standards and procedures.
• Serve as a primary resource for sensory testing activities on the shift.
• Coordinate and schedule sensory evaluations for production, quality, customer, and product development needs.
• Maintain sensory reference standards, supplies, and documentation.
• Collect, analyze, trend, and communicate sensory data to relevant stakeholders.
• Support investigations involving customer complaints, product deviations, and sensory-related quality concerns.
• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of sensory procedures and methodologies.
• Support sensory panel management, including recruitment, calibration, training, and performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, R&D, and Commercial teams to align on sensory expectations and product quality standards.
• Provide laboratory personnel with guidance and training on sensory best practices and evaluation techniques.
• Transcribe data from vendor documents and organize documents according to local policy.
• Assist Quality Assurance technicians with investigations when additional data or information is needed.
• Represent the quality laboratories professionally to internal and external parties.
• Recommend improvements to quality protocols and procedures.
• Follow Basic GMP and GLP safety standards.
• Maintain proper storage and organization of retains for future assessment.

Benefits

• Medical and prescription coverage
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• On-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement, as applicable
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings account
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Cash balance plan
• Discounted employee stock purchasing program
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Workers’ compensation
• Legal assistance
• Identity theft protection
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• Colleague Giving Programs
• Paid time off, including paid holidays
• Adoption assistance
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Tuition assistance
• Company-sponsored training and development resources, including LinkedIn Learning, language training, and mentoring programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree