Flavor Lab Technician

Job Title:

Flavor Lab Technician

The Lab Technician plays a vital role in our product innovation and enhancing customer experience. You will support the New Product Development (NPD) process by preparing samples, conducting quality tests, and ensuring an organized and efficient lab environment. This role requires collaboration with Flavorists, Sales, Quality Control, Operations, and Customer Service to ensure timely sample delivery, accurate formulations, and seamless process changes.

It involves direct communication with customers and suppliers, making it a highly visible position within the organization.

• Record formula, notes, and costing into enterprise resource planning (ERP) and NPD software.
• Research and order raw materials for new products.
• Prepare new product or prototype samples for sensory evaluation, testing, and shipment to customers.
• Collect supplier documentation for new raw materials.
• Ensure quality control tests are performed on new samples.
• Conduct shelf-life testing of new products.
• Maintain retains of samples shipped to customers.
• Coordinate with Production to ship standard samples and communicate with customers and Sales once samples are shipped.
• Record samples into customer relationship management (CRM) and ERP software for sales transactions.
• Ensure the lab is kept clean, stocked, organized, and secure.
• Maintain raw material and standard sample shelf inventory within shelf-life dates.
• Order lab supplies and raw materials as needed.
• Conduct internal audits of the lab to ensure compliance with Lean principles.
• Respond to customer questions and requests for documentation.
• Conduct daily adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing and protein residue testing and analyze data.
• Assist in daily sensory and quality control testing.
• Communicate all out-of-compliance situations and product standards to Quality Assurance Lead and Production.
• Conduct facility audits to ensure compliance with prerequisite and food safety programs.
• Assist in maintaining the food safety management system (FSMS).
• Support continuous improvements to enhance processes, increase efficiency, and reduce waste.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

• Bachelor of Science (food science preferred).
• Experience in food manufacturing as a technician, quality control, or similar discipline (0–2 years).
• Experience in a lab setting.
• Sample preparation for a food manufacturing company (preferred).
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Food (SQF) is preferred.
• Proficiency in sensory evaluation with a keen sense of smell, sight, including color perception abilities, and taste.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Dedication to product quality, thoroughness, detail, and consistency.
• Strong and proactive written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective time management with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and CRM and ERP systems.
• Strong critical thinking capabilities.
• Knowledge of mass and volumetric units of measure and ability to convert them.

• Ability to see, smell, and taste products which may contain allergens (milk, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and soy), alcohol, and sulfites.
• Use of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food chemicals and cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to remain stationary while conducting testing occasionally.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls for the majority of the workday.
• Ability to remain stationary at a desk and use a computer frequently.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.

The role is based in a flavor lab, where you will work in a dynamic and growing small family-owned company.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Baltimore, MD.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of…