Lab Technician

Lab Technician

The Lab Technician plays a key role in quality assurance and quality control by collecting and testing liquid samples in a manufacturing plant environment. This position focuses on ensuring products meet strict specifications and regulatory standards through careful sample handling, laboratory testing, documentation, and equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities:

• Navigate the plant environment safely to obtain liquid samples from silos, following FDA and plant standards while maintaining awareness of machines, forklifts, and other equipment.
• Collect samples in accordance with established procedures to ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of all materials tested.
• Perform laboratory tests on samples using lab equipment and instruments, including measurements of pH, acidity, freezing point, viscosity, and solid/fat percentages.
• Verify that all test results fall within specified ranges and promptly report any deviations from product specifications.
• Carefully document all tests, results, dates, and signatures in lab records and systems to maintain complete and accurate quality documentation.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling of chemicals and samples.
• Monitor and replenish laboratory supplies such as chemicals, pipettes, and other consumables to support continuous operations.
• Follow FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and internal plant standards at all times in both the lab and production areas.
• Calibrate laboratory instruments and equipment daily and perform other routine maintenance tasks to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Receive and respond to phone calls from the dairy area and various parts of the plant, providing timely information and support related to product quality and sample status.
• Multitask throughout the shift to manage sampling, testing, documentation, and communication activities, ensuring products and samples can proceed in production on time and within specification.
• Support quality assurance and quality control processes, including inspection and analytical testing, to uphold product safety and quality.
• Perform data entry of test results and quality information into laboratory or plant systems with a high degree of accuracy.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to address issues identified during testing and help maintain continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.

Essential

Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical science discipline such as chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in quality assurance and quality control within a production or laboratory setting.
• Ability to document, review, and interpret quality standards and test results accurately.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and testing methods, including pH measurement, acidity testing, titration, viscosity analysis, and solid/fat percentage determination.
• Working knowledge of chemistry, analytical chemistry, and basic laboratory techniques.
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and FDA standards applicable to food or related manufacturing.
• Ability to perform data entry with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong multitasking skills to manage multiple samples, tests, and communications throughout the shift.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing plant environment, maintaining awareness around machinery and forklifts.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications:

• Background in biology or microbiology and familiarity with microbiological concepts used in quality control.
• Experience in inspection activities within a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Comfort working with laboratory equipment and instrumentation in a fast-paced production setting.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining a clean, well-stocked, and compliant laboratory.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with production, dairy, and other plant departments.
• Interest in long-term growth and internal movement within the organization after the initial contract period.

Work Environment:

This role is fully onsite at a manufacturing facility in Elma, working within both laboratory and plant areas. The environment includes active production lines, silos, and equipment such as machines and forklifts, requiring consistent attention to safety and adherence to FDA and plant standards. The laboratory is equipped with instruments for analytical…