Senior Lab Analyst - Afternoons/2nd shift

Kraft Heinz•New Ulm, MN

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Lab Analyst performs finished-product testing and may also conduct blender testing, blender standardization, troubleshooting, and in-process testing. The role requires independent judgment to resolve questions promptly, particularly when analysts work alone while one or two production lines are operating. Analysts rotate between work areas and provide assistance where needed. Work must meet Kraft Heinz, AOAC, and legal standards and involves mathematical calculations, computer use, careful process adjustments, and clear written and verbal communication. The analyst conducts routine moisture, fat, salt, lactose, pH, and other specified tests on finished products, raw materials, ingredients, and process samples. The role includes recording and calculating results, investigating and retesting out-of-standard samples, monitoring equipment, maintaining laboratory areas and equipment, and communicating test-based corrections to production staff. Additional responsibilities include blender and in-process testing, preparation of testing solutions and tools, entering ingredient COA results into SAP, checking net-content scales and weights, and performing laboratory thermometer, balance, and scale checks and calibrations. The position operates laboratory instruments and computers, follows safety procedures when handling chemicals, heat, glassware, and hazardous waste, and may involve standing throughout the shift, noise, wet or slippery floors, and a fast-paced work environment. Lifting includes handling materials up to 20 pounds frequently or less and up to 45 pounds infrequently. Training is structured in phases at 30 days, three months, and six months, with evaluations of technical, communication, analytical, dependability, teamwork, and related competencies.

Requirements

Computer skills and operating knowledge of SAP, Quality Suites, and Excel.
Demonstrated mathematics skills, including decimals, fractions, and division.
Decision-making skills and the ability to exercise independent judgment and resolve questions in a timely manner.
Written and oral communication skills.
Ability to perform sensitive adjustments to complex controls and fine-tune process variables.
Knowledge of applicable testing methods, techniques, and procedures according to Kraft Heinz, AOAC, and legal standards.
Ability to follow safety procedures and handle laboratory testing hazards, including acids, heat, glassware, reagents, and hazardous waste.
Willingness to train in other laboratory areas or take upgrading when offered.
Ability to meet the physical demands described: standing throughout parts of the shift and lifting materials up to 20 pounds frequently or less and up to 45 pounds infrequently.

Responsibilities

Perform routine finished-product moisture testing using vacuum or NIR methods and record results accurately.
Perform specified pH, fat, salt, lactose, extraneous, and other tests on finished products, raw materials, ingredients, and process samples.
Retest out-of-standard and special samples, calculate and enter results, document deviations, and make timely decisions based on test results.
Clean, prepare, and maintain laboratory work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, and glassware.
Conduct blender testing and standardization when required, including investigating blender errors and maintaining related G40 programs and data.
Perform in-process testing on specified blenders, wet mix, liquid loads, and standardized product; communicate and verify corrections or additions with cook-room staff.
Perform required critical control point checks and follow testing methods and standards prescribed by Kraft Heinz, AOAC, and legal requirements.
Record cooker steam-out results, grade steam-out pads, test standardized cream, cream whey, and WPC as specified, and conduct blender checks as needed.
Prepare testing solutions and tools, maintain testing supplies, and prepare fat (Roccal) solution and acid bottles.
Monitor and properly dispose of hazardous waste produced by testing.
Perform air exposures and swabs for start-up, qualifications, and regular production.
Enter incoming-ingredient COA results into SAP and perform net-content scale and weight verifications.
Perform laboratory thermometer checks and balance and scale calibrations for start-up.
Follow OSHA and other safety procedures and apply appropriate precautions when handling acids, heat, glassware, and laboratory reagents.
Train in other laboratory areas, such as Special Testing or Bacti, or pursue upgrading when offered.

Benefits

Medical plans with HRA, HSA, and FSA options and a choice of five carriers, plus prescription coverage; benefits begin 30 days after hire.
Vision insurance.
Dental insurance.
Life insurance.
Disability coverage.
Adoption and family-planning reimbursement.
Childcare support.
Parental leave.
LiveWell lifestyle and well-being discounts and rewards, including an example $50 fitness-tracker subsidy.
401(k) matching and an additional 3% company contribution.
Free product and swag.
Business Resource Groups.
Ownerversity learning and development resource library.
Employee Assistance Program for mental health support.
Paid time off and company holidays.
Leave of absence, recognition, training, well-being programs, and family support programs.
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.