QC Lab Technician - 1st Shift

Overview / Function

The Lab Technician is responsible for inspecting and testing raw materials and finished products, ensuring conformance to corporate product specifications and quality standards.

• Follow all relevant procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintenance of quality records (i.e. ISO, GMP, FDA, USDA). Safely perform all tasks in a safe manner to ensure achievement of Quality, Service, and Cost objectives.
• Ensure all incoming raw materials and finished product meets corporate product specifications and quality standards.
• Utilizing diagnostic equipment, conduct laboratory testing (microbiological, calibration, chemical) and collect data, analyze, and record findings. Includes, but is not limited to: ingredients, blends, acidity level, flavor, color, taste, acid, temperatures, fill weights, fill heights of finished product, etc. Measure for composition, weight, density, dimensions, torque, etc. in order to determine physical properties of samples and compliance with standards. Common laboratory equipment, including but not limited to, electronic balances, colorimeters, torque testers, pH meters, spectrophotometers, density meters, turbidimeters, refractometers, water baths, stirrers, vacuum pumps, timers, and incubators.
• Perform microbiological analysis on finished product and incoming ingredients.
• Monitor and inspect production lines to ensure that quality and package integrity are within specifications.
• Verify that product codes, labels, cases, cartons, cans, bottles, packages, sleeves, seals, and shrink-wrap are correct.
• Prepare and maintain samples;
  Complete and maintain documentation associated with quality checks.
• In accordance to standard product specifications and quality standards, report analysis data to supervisor for approval before releasing ingredients or finished product for distribution.
• Conduct general instrument maintenance, calibration, and trouble‑shooting.
• Prioritize samples and independently manage time in order to maximize delivery scheduling and inventory lead times.
• Responsible for laboratory inventory supply, and maintaining area cleanliness.
• Effectively communicate technical and analytical data using reports, charts, graphs, etc. as required.
• Carry out special projects as needed.
• Serve as the primary quality resource for all issues pertaining to the quality of the product from incoming inspection of suppliers material to the final inspection of products. Participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Regular, consistent attendance is an essential job function.
• Other duties as required.

• Associates degree in microbiology or chemistry with at least 2 years of laboratory experience is required. Will consider other equivalent experience in lieu of degree.
• Experience in a regulated industry desired.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory skills in a safe manner.
• Ability to record, understand, interpret, and effectively communicate technical data.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to analyze and effectively solve on‑site problems, while under potentially stressful situations.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent team‑player;
  Strong ability to effectively interact with multiple departments.
• Highly‑motivated self‑starter, with the ability to work with minimal oversight.
• Flexible with the ability to adapt to varying situations.
• Basic PC skills, with proficiency with MS Office products. Statistical analysis experience is helpful.
• Demonstrated good attendance.
• Ability to cross train in different responsibilities of the facility.

• The role is based in a lab, but will spend considerable time on the production floor with considerable time spent standing. Work in the production environment includes wetness, heights, dust, moving equipment, vibrations and vapors. There are also high noise levels consistent with a fast‑moving production environment. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided.
• This position is very active and requires regular standing, walking, twisting, grasping, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, sitting, stooping, crouching, crawling, and stair…