Quality Lab Technician - 3rd Shift

Description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and methodical Quality Lab Technician to support our food manufacturing operations through accurate and timely analytical testing. This role plays a critical part in ensuring product quality and compliance by performing routine compositional analyses including fat determination, salt content by silver nitrate (AgNO3) titration, and moisture analysis, among others. The technician will work closely with Production and Quality teams, reporting directly to the Quality Lab Supervisor.

Responsibilities Of The Position:

- Perform daily laboratory testing of in-process materials, finished products, and raw materials using established methods:

• Fat content (e.g., via Soxhlet extraction or Mojonnier method)
• Salt content via silver nitrate (AgNO3) titration
• Moisture content using oven-drying or rapid moisture analyzers
• Accurately document and review analytical results, identifying out-of-specification trends and promptly notifying appropriate personnel
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain lab instruments and testing equipment per SOPs and manufacturer recommendations
• Support root cause investigations for non-conforming results or customer complaints
• Maintain laboratory inventory, ensuring availability of reagents, glassware, and consumables
• Housekeeping of the laboratory, apparatus, and reusable supplies
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety and quality standards (HACCP, GMPs, SQF/BRC/other as applicable)
• Assist with proficiency testing, method validations, and inter-lab comparisons as needed
• Participate in internal audits and support external audits by providing relevant documentation and records
• Continuously improve lab processes for efficiency, repeatability, and accuracy
• Perform other duties as assigned by Management

Requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and lab data management systems
• Ability to manage time efficiently and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and food safety
• Fosters a self-starter approach, collaboration, curiosity, problem-solving, solutioning new challenges and working in a multi-functional team environment

Education And Experience:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field
• 1-2 years of relevant laboratory experience, preferably in food manufacturing
• Familiarity with gravimetric, volumetric, and titrimetric analytical techniques
• Experience with AgNO3 titration for salt analysis
• Knowledge of moisture/fat analysis methods (e.g., oven-drying, rapid analyzers, Soxhlet, etc.)
• Experience working within a GFSI-certified facility (e.g., SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000)

Food Safety Responsibilities:

• Attend all food safety training sessions (GMP, SQF, HACCP, Allergen, Food Facility Security, Preventing Foodborne Illness)
• Participate in company GMP walks
• Enforce company rules regarding food safety and monitoring

Working Conditions:

• Primarily lab-based work within a food production environment
• Exposure to food allergens, temperature variations, and occasionally wet/slippery conditions
• PPE required as per company policy
• Office setting and warehouse environment with temperature range of 55 – 80 degrees

Physical Requirements:

• Operate standard lab and office equipment
• Reach with hands and arms
• Lift up to 25 pounds