Quality Technician (Nights)

fairlife•Goodyear, AZ

16h

About The Position

The Quality Technician monitors and performs qualitative and quantitative testing of process and product attributes to ensure food safety and quality. The role ensures compliance with applicable regulations, including the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance; standards such as GFSI; and third-party audit, Kosher, and Organic requirements. The technician verifies that processes, work in progress, incoming goods, in-process products, and finished products meet specifications; interprets test results to support product release; and documents nonconforming product and communicates findings to plant management. The position performs laboratory and production-area testing, microbiological monitoring, product evaluation, audits, and inspections. It maintains laboratory equipment, supplies, records, calibration standards, and third-party testing programs. The technician is also responsible for holding, releasing, or rejecting finished goods and raw materials, and for carrying out food safety and quality requirements. This role is located in Goodyear, Arizona, and reports to the Quality Control Supervisor. It follows a rotating 3-2-2 schedule with 12-hour shifts from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Requirements

High school diploma at a minimum.
At least one year of previous laboratory experience with microbiology and chemistry.
Accuracy and precision in testing procedures and mix formulation calculations, and a keen sense of odors and flavors.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to read, write, and interpret safety rules, procedure manuals, and mathematical calculations.
Ability to read, comprehend, and follow technical instructions and present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group situations.
Ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken-word levels.
Fluency in spoken and written English.
Ability to perform arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Common-sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions and mathematical calculations.
Ability to prioritize and organize.
Strong decision-making ability to determine an appropriate course of action when assessing test results.
Basic computer skills, including word-processing and spreadsheet programs.
Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), safety programs, and procedures.
Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Ability to work with chemicals.
Ability to operate motorized vehicles or equipment.
Ability to work up to 12 hours sitting, standing, or walking.
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work around hazards, including machinery and confined spaces, loud noise, and industrial machinery.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a science field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in a food production environment.
Knowledge of MS Office and SAP.

Responsibilities

Test product and process attributes, including butterfat, total solids, pH, acidity, flavor, odor, cryoscopy, viscosity, brix, HR-1, HR-2, HR-3, temperatures, antibiotics, coliform, DMC, DMSCC, and SPC.
Calculate formulas and conduct accelerated shelf-life testing.
Perform in-plant weight and temperature checks, ingredient usage and distribution checks, and code date verification.
Conduct environmental testing and pre-operational swabbing, and maintain records.
Conduct pathogen monitoring on raw and finished products and maintain results.
Hold, release, or reject finished goods and raw materials.
Maintain laboratory records, internal and external lab results, inspection reports, vitamin logs, and water and glycol records.
Coordinate and maintain third-party laboratory testing programs.
Maintain appropriate calibration standards.
Perform daily finished-product evaluations and Appendix N antibiotic testing.
Assist with state and federal laboratory inspections.
Perform sensory evaluations of raw materials and finished products.
Help control plant losses.
Perform microbiological testing and documentation of finished and in-process products; interpret results, retest or report abnormalities as needed, and generate standard reports of results.
Inspect processing areas and document that records are present and correct and that areas comply with GMP and sanitation requirements.
Perform Quality Team Audits, including Good Manufacturing Practices and housekeeping.
Manage laboratory operations and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.
Work with chemicals.
Complete duties consistently with company safety rules and good manufacturing practices.
Perform related duties assigned by the Manager or Supervisor on duty.
Notify supervision of repairs or adjustments that may affect product quality or food safety.
Observe and comply with the color-coded container policy in production areas.
Perform duties necessary to meet company, customer, and government requirements and standards.
Initiate action to prevent food safety, product quality, process, quality-system, or safety-system nonconformities.
Identify and record problems relating to food safety and the quality of ingredients, processes, or systems.
Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product until deficiencies or unsatisfactory conditions are corrected.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage effective day one.
Supplemental health plans, including hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance.
Paid time off.
Paid parental leave and adoption assistance up to $10,000.
Parental support and family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support.
401(k) with up to 9% employer match.
Wellness reimbursement up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses.
Employee Assistance Program for emotional wellbeing and work-life support.
Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability.
Employer HSA funding for HDHP participants.
Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 and student loan repayment of $200 per month.
Learning and development programs.
Rewards and recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups.