About the Role
The Quality Assurance Lab Technician performs a variety of laboratory tests or other laboratory work to help provide top quality and safe products that meet customer requirements and specifications. The Quality Assurance Lab Technician is expected to maintain the highest level of integrity and confidentiality with the company records and information. This individual is expected to follow all policies and procedures of the company.
Responsibilities:
Responsible for QC tests of incoming raw materials, goods in progress, finished goods and packaging, with appropriate reaction to any out of specification situations
Test raw materials to approve or reject new vendors.
Receive raw materials, including liquid sugar (HFCS), concentrates, and other additives used in the manufacturing process.
Perform accurate inventory counts
Retrieval of samples, testing and analysis and documentation of results.
Interface with production management teams where appropriate.
Responsible for plant sanitation program effectiveness, tracking, follow-up and report documentation
Review daily process and packaging records.
Initiate corrective action for out of compliance situations, including QC holds and defective material reporting.
Carry out Line audits ensuring that GMP's are being followed and adhered to.
Collect all micro samples for daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual samples for inside and outside lab testing.
Calibrate lab testing equipment
Maintain all laboratory instrumentation in proper working condition.
Complete sample analysis to ensure compliance to all customer and corporate testing requirements and product specifications.
Ensure all safety standards (company or regulatory) are met at all times
Ensure all company good manufacturing standards are met at all times
Cleaning and Sanitation of production lines following the appropriate process as determined by flavor characteristics and the sanitation matrix.
Implement and facilitate the facilities food safety and food quality programs to assure compliance and achieve desired results.
Follow the facility’s food safety and food quality programs to assure compliance and achieve desired results.
Perform other tasks as assigned by management.
Requirements:
Approximately 2+ years in a fast moving food manufacturing environment
Good knowledge of health and safety, hygiene rules and regulations
Ability to prioritize and multi-task
Good understanding of factory / production machinery - awareness of technical issues.
Demonstrates personal initiative to aid the development of the site/dept.
Experience in performing quality checks (e.g. visual checks through to detailed analysis of product specifications).
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to maintain meticulous records
Strong PC skills (Excel, word, power point required)
Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment (i.e. HPLC, pH meter, balances, filtration apparatus, incubators).
Teamwork oriented and self-motivated.
Ability to work under minimum supervision.
Must be able to taste all foods with no aversions or allergies.
Available to work weekends and mandatory overtime
Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, microbiology, or related field of science from an accredited college or university and two-three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
About the Company