Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job Title:

Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Job Description

The Quality Control Laboratory Technician performs daily analytical and physical testing on raw materials and finished, powder-based products to ensure they meet strict internal and regulatory quality standards. This role combines hands-on laboratory analysis with on-the-floor production support, focusing on real-time quality decision-making, accurate documentation, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices. The technician supports continuous improvement in product quality, assists with investigations into quality issues or customer complaints, and contributes to a collaborative, friendly, and growth-oriented work environment.

Responsibilities

+ Perform daily analytical testing on raw materials and finished products, including pH, moisture, salt content, titratable acidity, redox, and other quality metrics.

+ Conduct physical testing of powder-based products, such as color evaluation, screen testing, loss on drying, and water analysis.

+ Complete pre-operation and line audits to ensure compliance with GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and internal quality standards.

+ Calibrate and verify laboratory equipment daily prior to performing any testing.

+ Perform scale calibrations, metal detector checks, and packaging weight verifications during production runs.

+ Collect product and raw material samples directly from the production floor and raw material storage areas.

+ Verify proper lot coding, labeling, and packaging integrity for finished products before release.

+ Document and log all test results accurately in SAP and Sample Manager systems, as well as in required paper records.

+ Identify out-of-specification results, initiate re-sampling or re-testing, and place materials on hold when necessary.

+ Conduct bake testing to evaluate product quality and support investigations related to customer complaints.

+ Inspect production lines for cleanliness, proper ingredient usage, and adherence to quality and safety standards.

+ Support the training and development of quality control team members as needed.

+ Follow all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures while working in both laboratory and production areas.

+ Collaborate with production and quality teams to make timely, informed decisions on product quality and release.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.

+ Minimum 6+ months of experience in a professional laboratory environment performing analytical testing in any industry.

+ Experience working in GMP- or GLP-regulated environments preferred.

+ Hands-on experience with analytical testing such as pH, moisture, titratable acidity, redox, and related quality measurements.

+ Familiarity with quality control, quality assurance, and laboratory best practices.

+ Comfort working both in a laboratory setting and on the production floor.

+ Strong attention to detail and excellent documentation skills for both electronic and paper records.

+ Ability to identify out-of-specification results and follow defined procedures for re-testing and material hold.

+ Basic proficiency with SAP or Sample Manager, or the ability to quickly learn these systems.

+ Ability to follow GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and internal quality procedures consistently.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience using SAP or Sample Manager systems for sample management and data entry.

+ in food, ingredients, or related process industries is a plus.

+ Experience conducting physical testing on powder-based products, including screen testing and loss on drying.

+ Familiarity with performing equipment calibrations such as scales, metal detectors, and laboratory instruments.

+ Experience supporting investigations into customer complaints or product quality issues, including bake testing.

+ Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams on the production floor.

+ Interest in career growth with opportunities for vertical advancement within quality or related functions.

+ Motivation to contribute to a culture built on commitment, collaboration, and care.

Work Environment

This position follows a Monday-Friday schedule with a regular shift of 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and an initial training shift of Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The technician works alongside two other technicians on the evening shift and reports into a manager from the day shift. The role is a balanced mix of analytical laboratory testing and hands-on production support, with a strong emphasis on compliance, documentation accuracy, and real-time quality decision-making.

The facility is a dusty environment due to powder-based raw materials and involves routine exposure to food allergens, including eggs, soy, sesame seeds, milk, and wheat. The organization emphasizes safety, quality, innovation, and performance, and fosters a friendly, fun culture grounded in commitment, collaboration, and care. Employees benefit from opportunities to…