Quality Control Technician

Quality Control Technician

The Quality Control Technician plays a key role in ensuring that all incoming ingredients, in-process materials, and finished products meet strict quality and safety standards in a food manufacturing environment. This position performs routine and specialized laboratory analyses, supports production quality checks on the plant floor, and maintains accurate documentation to uphold regulatory and internal quality requirements. It is an excellent opportunity for someone with basic laboratory and science skills who is looking to grow in quality control or gain strong experience before pursuing graduate studies.

• Perform analytical testing on incoming, in-process, and finished materials using standardized procedures, including but not limited to pH, turbidity, Brix, salt, alcohol, total nitrogen, and microbiological sampling and testing.
• Conduct standardized quality sampling and checks during production runs, promptly reporting variances and non-conformities to management.
• Support production teams by performing quality inspections before, during, and between product runs to ensure consistent product quality.
• Monitor plant sanitation and personal hygiene practices in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for food processing facilities and current company GMP policies, and report repeat issues to management.
• Prepare product and ingredient samples for shipment to external laboratories, track and update test results, and alert management to discrepancies or quality concerns.
• Place product on quality hold when necessary and release product from hold in line with company policies and established criteria.
• Receive new ingredients, contact suppliers to obtain required documentation, and maintain accurate and up-to-date ingredient information files.
• Organize, maintain, and update all laboratory quality control documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), forms, charts, tables, and analytical data, and perform data entry to keep records current.
• Maintain laboratory equipment by performing routine calibration, performance verification, and basic troubleshooting of instruments and systems as needed.
• Manage laboratory supply inventory for routine analyses, including preparation and replenishment of solutions and ordering general laboratory and office supplies.
• Support the quality control leadership team in addressing customer service issues related to product quality and documentation.
• Assist the broader quality control team with special projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Actively pursue excellence by continuously developing technical competencies, laboratory skills, and professional communication skills.

• Bachelor's Degree in science is preferred.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory techniques, including accurate pipetting, micro plating techniques, pH testing, and reading a graduated cylinder.
• Foundational science knowledge and basic understanding of laboratory principles, gained through experience or education.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications for data entry, documentation, and reporting.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues, management, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, documentation, and sample flows efficiently.
• Effective time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet production and testing schedules.
• Understanding of quality control principles and practices in a production or laboratory setting.
• Awareness of HACCP and food safety concepts or willingness to learn and apply them in daily work.

• Basic laboratory experience in a food, beverage, or related scientific environment, or completion of relevant science coursework.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in food processing facilities.
• Interest in developing a career in quality control, food science, or related technical fields.
• Suitability for individuals seeking a one-year role, such as those taking a gap year before attending graduate school.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently…