FSQR Lab Technician

ILLES Foods Job Description

Job Title: FSQR Lab Technicians

Reports To: FSQRSupervisor

FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt

Hours: 7 AM - 4 PM (Overtime as needed)

Specializing in custom‑crafted culinary solutions—from beverage bases and sauces to marinades and seasonings—ILLES Foods has partnered with food service chains, manufacturers, and retailers across the U.S. since 1927. Our Food Innovation expertise, creativity, and speed to market, combined with a laser focus on customer experience, make us a key partner in product development. As a family‑owned, woman‑run business, our growth is fueled by deeply held values: operating with integrity, maintaining intentional curiosity, and strong relationship building through the power of partnership.

At ILLES Foods, we strive to be the ingredient that elevates food and enriches the lives of our partners, internal and external.

The successful candidate inspects, tests, and approves Finished Goods production and Raw Materials receipts under the guidance of the FSQA Supervisor and/or Manager/Director. Conducts warehouse inspections and line checks for compliance to GMP’s, Food Safety, and FSQA/Sanitation policies and procedures. Collects data, maintains files, and distributes analytical & related information as required. Partners conduct themselves in a manner that is aligned with ILLES Foods Core Values:
Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership.

• Conducts all analytical and organoleptic tests applicable to each product
• Performs data entry of all testing or inspection results and creates COAs as required
• Conducts calibration on all equipment as required
• Carries out all environmental sampling using sterile sample collection techniques
• Samples equipment for sanitation effectiveness testing
• Collects all finished product samples for internal testing
• Prepares samples for shipment to third‑party labs or customers
• Performs pre‑operational inspections for allergen removal from equipment prior to use
• Performs line checks during production
• Puts materials on hold or releases from hold upon request from a member of FSQR Management
• Acts as backup for Vendor Compliance Specialist to complete warehouse inspections and bug count
• Able to manage lab testing and line checks at the same time during breaks and lunches if coverage is not available
• Ensures that food safety, legality, integrity, and quality standards are maintained at all times
• Performs other tasks as assigned by Management
• Regular attendance for scheduled shifts is a requirement of this position

• Time management & reliability:
  Manages scheduled testing, line checks, and sample collection efficiently; maintains consistent attendance
• Safety & compliance:
  Follows GMPs, food safety, FSQA, and sanitation protocols; ensures legal and quality compliance in lab and production areas
• Communication (verbal/written):
  Documents results clearly and communicates findings to supervisors and teams
• Customer service (active listening):
  Responds effectively to team and production inquiries
• Inventory management:
  Maintains lab supplies and ensures readiness for testing
• Flexibility/adaptability:
  Adjusts to changing schedules and urgent testing needs
• Digital literacy:
  Uses Microsoft Office and electronic QA/FSQA systems
• Problem‑solving (critical thinking):
  Identifies issues and recommends corrective actions
• Team coordination:
  Collaborates with FSQA and production teams for smooth testing operations
• Conflict resolution:
  Resolves test or sampling discrepancies professionally

Bachelor's or associate degree with 2 years’ experience working in an industrial laboratory (preferably food).

Taste, smell, and see well enough to discriminate quality and quantity aspects of individual flavor and seasoning components of food products and ingredients. Physically able to lift 50 lbs. See well enough to read pertinent documents (hard copy as well as computer screen data and reports). Ability to hear directions in a noisy environment. Be able to effectively communicate with…