Quality Control Technician II

Quality Control Technician II

The Quality Control Technician II works within the quality department of a large flavor manufacturer that produces flavorings for coffee, tea, and other beverage products. In this role, you perform a wide range of wet bench testing on incoming raw materials and finished goods, collaborate closely with production teams on packaging inspections and routine quality checks, and ensure products meet all specifications before they are released for distribution.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily wet bench testing on incoming raw materials, intermediates, and finished products in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including pH, viscosity, Brix, density, titrations, and other analytical methods.
• Conduct comprehensive product testing such as sensory evaluation, refractive index, Brix, pH, turbidity, gas chromatography (GC), particle size testing, colorimetry, viscosity, density, water activity, manual titration, and additional tests as assigned.
• Ensure all products conform to established specifications and quality standards, and sign off on product quality prior to distribution.
• Support multiple quality and food safety programs to ensure site adherence to quality, food safety, and organizational objectives.
• Provide timely and consistent communication of testing results, findings, and status updates to relevant cross-functional groups to support day-to-day operations.
• Lead, maintain, and conduct training on relevant SOPs for QC team members and cross-functional partners, ensuring consistent understanding and application of procedures.
• Review and revise SOPs to align with current processes and best practices, contributing to continuous improvement of quality systems.
• Champion investigations by performing routine root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), using troubleshooting tactics to solve technical problems.
• Perform preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Create Certificates of Analysis (COAs), prepare microbiological samples, calibrate laboratory equipment, and maintain production and quality records to ensure compliance.
• Take microbial samples while maintaining a sterile and clean environment throughout the sampling and testing process.
• Sample incoming raw materials for analysis, including repeatedly lifting containers up to 50 pounds as part of routine duties.
• Analyze test data and produce detailed reports that clearly document results, relevant specification information, and any deviations.
• File and organize raw material and finished product retains and records to maintain traceability and compliance with quality standards.
• Perform routine quality checks around the facility, including package inspections and verification activities in collaboration with production teams.
• Exhibit a professional appearance and demeanor while maintaining a safe, neat, and clean laboratory and production environment.

Essential Skills

• Experience in quality control and laboratory testing, including hands-on wet bench techniques.
• Bachelor of Science in a related field such as Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science/Technology, or a business-related discipline with 1+ years of laboratory experience (food laboratory experience preferred, but experience from industries such as pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, or personal care is also valued).
• Alternatively, a high school diploma with 3+ years of laboratory or flavor industry experience.
• Experience performing QC testing and working with laboratory instruments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly when sampling and handling raw materials.
• Strong ability to analyze and interpret data and translate findings into clear, detailed reports.
• Ability to maintain a sterile and clean environment while handling microbial samples.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in managing samples, records, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience working in the flavor industry is preferred.
• Experience working under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Bachelor of Science in a related field such as Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Food Science.
• Any laboratory quality testing experience, particularly in food or beverage applications.
• Experience with QC-related instruments such as pH meters, refractometers, densitometers, colorimeters, gas chromatographs (GC), water activity meters, and turbidimeters.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret information to support investigations and decision-making.
• Excellent organization skills for managing multiple programs, samples, and documentation simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and…