Lab Technician

Location: East Syracuse

Job Title:

Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician performs analytical testing on production and finished product samples to verify compliance with regulatory requirements and internal quality standards for dairy products. This role supports safe, efficient manufacturing by ensuring products meet FDA and New York State regulations as well as internal specifications, while contributing to overall production, safety, quality, performance, and cost goals.

Responsibilities

+ Perform microbiological, chemical, and sensory testing on finished products, in-process samples, and incoming materials according to laboratory and operations schedules.

+ Conduct and evaluate product testing results to determine compliance with established standards and release compliant product from hold using the computerized inventory management system.

+ Inspect and verify the sanitary condition of processing lines, fillers, tanks, and production areas, including performing ATP swabbing and visual inspections.

+ Validate vitamin additions and batching sheets for processing departments to ensure accuracy and compliance.

+ Perform bacteria and shelf-life testing on fresh and stressed samples and complete shelf-life sensory evaluations as required.

+ Conduct titratable acidity (TA) tests using all required methods and perform butterfat and solids testing using appropriate equipment such as Delta and CEM instruments.

+ Conduct allergen testing as required and perform sterile sampling of tanks, reporting results in a timely manner.

+ Perform cryoscope testing on milk products and conduct product sterility testing on samples received into the laboratory.

+ Verify that product labels are correct and compliant with specifications.

+ Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to verify and document analytical, sensory, and microbiological results.

+ Maintain and update laboratory logbooks and Product Hold and Disposition Logs, including logging and sending Certificates of Analysis (COAs) as testing is completed and following up on held product as needed.

+ Complete and report product testing results using tally sheets and Product Testing Records, including microbiological reports.

+ Communicate effectively and openly with other members of the Quality Control team, production personnel, and other departments, including during shift handoffs.

+ Support food safety and quality programs by reporting food safety issues, initiating appropriate actions, and maintaining compliance with SQF requirements.

+ Ensure work areas and equipment remain clean and sanitary, strictly adhering to sanitation practices.

+ Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and all corporate and plant policies, rules, and regulations.

+ Work safely at all times, promptly report safety concerns to a supervisor or lead, and take corrective actions as necessary to maintain a safe environment.

+ Notify appropriate personnel of mechanical malfunctions to improve productivity and equipment capabilities, and begin identifying opportunities for operators to assist in resolving issues.

+ Provide assistance and support to all areas in the production facility as assigned by a supervisor or lead, including learning and supporting key areas such as fillers, forklifts, and production lines.

+ Gain competence on line circuits and ensure proper hookups are made within the facility.

+ Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned by a supervisor or lead.

+ Ensure compliance with all legal requirements related to dairy processing and safety during the assigned shift and report concerns promptly.

+ Report to work as scheduled, communicate any tardiness or absences to the assigned supervisor or manager in advance, and arrive in a condition fit for work.

+ Maintain professional appearance and adhere to business- and position-appropriate attire, including compliance with GMP dress code standards.

+ Meet performance criteria and standards of conduct as outlined in company policies and the employee handbook.

+ Complete all assigned tasks and responsibilities accurately and within required time frames.

Essential Skills

+ Ability to perform basic to complex mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and working with weights and measures, to support laboratory and production tasks.

+ Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a level sufficient to perform job functions and respond…