Quality Control Sensory Technician - Erlanger, KY
About The Position
The QC Sensory Technician conducts routine quality control testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products while maintaining data integrity and laboratory excellence. The position also supports the site's sensory program by performing evaluations, coordinating sensory activities, maintaining sensory data, and contributing to 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. The role coordinates evaluations to support production, quality, customer requirements, and product development; maintains sensory reference standards, supplies, and documentation; and collects, analyzes, trends, and communicates sensory data. The technician also supports panel management, investigations, procedure improvements, and training in sensory best practices, collaborating with Quality, Operations, R&D, and Commercial teams. The work is on-site in Erlanger, Kentucky. Employees may be exposed to chemicals and food allergens. The position involves movement, standing while working, and extended computer use. Successful completion of a background check is required.
Requirements
- Minimum 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.
- Ability to perform work involving movement, standing, and extended computer use.
- Successful completion of a background check.
Nice To Haves
- Preferred experience with organoleptic testing.
Responsibilities
- Conduct routine QC testing and analysis of raw materials, intermediate batches, and finished products.
- Maintain data integrity during testing 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 work area and sample space, and perform laboratory cleaning practices.
- Participate in training to ensure testing consistency.
- Identify methodology issues and support investigations into testing accuracy.
- Communicate failures as needed so the supply chain is aware of possible delays.
- Perform sensory assessments and evaluations in accordance with ADM practices, 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.
- Participate in developing, maintaining, and continuously improving sensory evaluation procedures and methodologies.
- Support sensory panel recruitment, calibration, training, and performance monitoring.
- Collaborate with Quality, Operations, R&D, and Commercial teams on sensory expectations and product quality standards.
- Provide laboratory personnel with guidance and training on sensory practices and evaluation techniques.
- Transcribe data from vendor documents and organize the documents according to local policy.
- Assist Quality Assurance technicians with investigations when additional data or information is needed for out-of-specification batches.
- Represent the quality labs professionally to internal and external parties.
- Suggest improvements to quality protocols and procedures.
- Follow Basic GMP and GLP safety standards.
- Maintain proper storage and organization of retained samples for future assessment.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
