Food Safety & Quality Assurance Laboratory Technologist

About the role

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. At Smithfield Foods, you're not just starting a job — you're building a career with purpose. As the world’s largest pork processor and leading hog producer in the U.S., we’re a $16 billion global food leader with over 55,000 team members and growing. We’re seeking passionate, detail-oriented individuals to join our quality team as Laboratory Technologists.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a variety of laboratory tests to monitor food safety and product quality, including microbiological sampling, temperature checks, leaker detection, and sanitation verification.
• Accurately record test data, interpret results, and ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Maintain proper documentation and contribute to critical programs like HACCP, USDA compliance, and GMP adherence.
• Play a key role in daily pre-operational inspections, and product traceability.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or general education degree (GED), required.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge in quality systems and regulatory compliance.
• Must be able to read, write, and complete all required documentation in English.
• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating procedures, and technical manuals.
• Accurate data entry of test results into databases.
• Proficient with basic laboratory equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Knowledge of quality assurance, food safety, and regulatory standards (USDA, HACCP, SSOP); HACCP and SQF certifications are a plus.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with regulatory agencies, customers, and team members.
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities with conflict resolution skills.
• Experience drafting and interpreting SOPs and technical documents.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and standard business software.

Qualifications

• Regularly required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and smell.
• Frequently required to lift up to 25 pounds. Occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Skills

• None specified

Benefits

• None specified

Pay

• Not specified

Schedule

• Not specified