Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Quality Control Laboratory Technician

The Quality Control Laboratory Technician performs daily analytical and physical testing on raw materials and finished powder-based products to ensure they meet strict quality and regulatory standards. This role combines hands-on laboratory analysis with production floor support, including equipment calibration, sampling, documentation, and real-time quality decision-making. The technician plays a key role in maintaining compliance with GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and internal quality programs while contributing to a collaborative and growth-oriented culture within the food industry.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily analytical testing on raw materials and finished products, including pH, moisture, salt content, titratable acidity, redox measurements, and other defined quality metrics.
• Conduct physical testing of powder-based products, such as color evaluation, screen testing, loss on drying, and water analysis, to verify product specifications.
• Complete pre-operation and production line audits to ensure compliance with GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and internal quality and food safety standards.
• Calibrate and verify laboratory equipment each day prior to use to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Perform scale calibrations, metal detector checks, and packaging weight verifications during production runs to maintain process control and product integrity.
• Collect representative samples directly from the production floor and raw material storage areas in accordance with sampling procedures.
• Verify proper lot coding, labeling, and packaging integrity of finished products to support traceability and customer requirements.
• Document and log all analytical and physical test results in SAP and Sample Manager systems, as well as maintain accurate and complete paper records.
• Identify out-of-specification results, initiate re-sampling and re-testing as needed, and place materials or products on hold in accordance with quality procedures.
• Conduct bake testing and other application-based evaluations related to product quality, performance, or customer complaints.
• Inspect production lines for cleanliness, proper ingredient usage, and adherence to quality and sanitation standards.
• Support the training and development of quality control team members by sharing knowledge of procedures, equipment, and best practices when needed.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures while working in both the laboratory and production areas.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to make timely, data-driven decisions that protect product quality and food safety.
• Contribute to a culture of commitment, collaboration, and care by communicating effectively and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 6+ months of experience in a professional laboratory environment performing analytical testing in any industry.
• Hands-on experience with basic analytical techniques such as pH measurement, moisture analysis, titration, and related methods.
• Ability to perform physical testing of powder-based products, including color assessment, screen testing, and loss on drying.
• Strong familiarity with quality control and quality assurance principles in a manufacturing or processing environment.
• Comfort working both in a laboratory setting and on the production floor, including direct interaction with production equipment and processes.
• Experience working in GMP- or GLP-regulated environments is preferred.
• SAP or Sample Manager system experience is preferred for data entry and sample tracking.
• High level of attention to detail with strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to identify out-of-specification results and follow established procedures for re-sampling, re-testing, and product hold.
• Understanding of food safety and regulatory frameworks such as GMP, FSMA, and HACCP.
• Capability to follow safety, environmental, and quality policies consistently in a dusty, allergen-containing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with quality control in the food industry or other regulated manufacturing environments is an advantage.
• Knowledge of quality assurance, QC methodologies, and analytical chemistry or biology techniques.
• Familiarity with SAP, Sample Manager, or similar sample management and ERP systems.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tests and documentation requirements simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with laboratory colleagues and production teams.
• Willingness to support training and mentoring of other quality control technicians.
• Interest in building a long-term career with opportunities for vertical advancement.
• Motivation to work in a friendly, fun, and collaborative culture where commitment, collaboration, and care are core values.
• Adaptability to work in both office-style laboratory settings and on active…