Lab Technician

Location: Bridgeton

Job Title:

Quality Technician

Job Description

This role performs a broad range of quality testing on food ingredient products, including sweet inclusions for ice cream, beverage mixes, vitamins, and other finished goods, as well as incoming ingredients. The Quality Technician conducts sensory evaluations and analytical, chemical, and physical tests in accordance with current specifications. The position supports food safety and quality programs by identifying non-conformances, investigating root causes, and documenting results in laboratory and quality systems.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain broad experience in quality within a food manufacturing environment, with potential for long-term career growth.

Responsibilities

+ Perform a wide range of quality tests on food ingredient products, including sensory evaluations and analytical, chemical, and physical testing for finished goods and incoming ingredients according to current specifications.

+ Conduct sensory testing on products, including those containing dairy, to evaluate taste, texture, appearance, and overall quality.

+ Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment at the frequencies specified in calibration procedures, ensuring accurate and reliable test results.

+ Identify lots and batches that do not meet specifications and thoroughly investigate non-conformance issues, including evaluating data and proposing solutions.

+ Assist in complaint investigations by reviewing test data, contributing to root cause analysis, and supporting corrective and preventive actions.

+ Review and write standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the laboratory as needed, maintaining a continuous improvement mindset.

+ Perform daily Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) inspections and walkthroughs in the plant, monitoring compliance with quality and food safety standards.

+ Conduct in-plant process and internal audits, including swabbing equipment, rooms, drains, and other areas to support environmental compliance.

+ Collect and composite swab samples for external microbiological testing, ensuring proper handling, labeling, and documentation.

+ Document all test results accurately in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and internal databases to support tracking, trending, and compliance.

+ Create labels for incoming ingredients and ensure accurate identification, traceability, and status labeling.

+ Release batches in the system once testing confirms that products meet specifications and quality standards.

+ Follow all quality and food safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements while working in both lab and plant environments.

+ Participate actively in continuous improvement activities, identifying opportunities to enhance testing methods, processes, and documentation.

+ Communicate effectively with production and other departments, confidently representing quality standards and acting as a steward of product quality.

+ Adapt to changing priorities and production needs, including supporting extended or additional shifts when required.

+ Perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and repetitive motions, and move, lift, or push objects weighing up to 55 pounds as part of daily work.

+ Work safely in a plant environment that may be hot, humid, or cooler in certain warehouse areas, and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniforms as required.

Essential Skills

+ High school diploma with 1-2 years of experience in a quality or laboratory role in a manufacturing environment preferred.

+ Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with laboratory exposure and experience in an industrial, labor-intensive, or on-your-feet position (such as restaurant experience).

+ Understanding of basic laboratory procedures gained through education or work experience.

+ Experience or familiarity with quality control practices in a manufacturing or food environment.

+ Ability to perform sensory testing, including products containing milk and other dairy ingredients.

+ Ability to calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment according to defined procedures.

+ Capability to conduct analytical, chemical, and physical testing on food…