FSQ Technician I (Nights)

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

About the role

The FSQ Technician is responsible for performing necessary laboratory testing to ensure ingredients, product, and packaging conform to specifications. The FSQ Technician follows written and verbal instructions to determine that quality and efficiency standards are being met. Additionally, the FSQ Technician ensures the efficiency, safety, and quality of laboratory work and effective communication relative to shift and plant performance.

Responsibilities

• Assure package integrity and product quality by performing laboratory testing and aseptic package evaluation procedures
• Perform laboratory testing such as pH, solids/moisture, sodium, etc.
• Perform destructive aseptic package testing
• Assist with investigations related to product spoilage
• Collect and communicate lab data with Quality Supervisor and Operations Shift Leaders
• Perform incubation activities according to standard operating procedures
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment
• Responsible for laboratory equipment calibrations at specified intervals
• Accurately prepare and maintain all area paperwork
• Perform microbiology testing including basic plating in clean room environment, stocking lab, shipping samples, retrieving results, and communicating to management as needed
• All other duties as assigned

Key Accountabilities

• Safety: Follow all facility human and food safety policies including proper use of PPE. Report all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor.
• Quality: Understand SQF code, FSMA, HACCP, and Food Defense. Awareness of Food Safety and Quality requirements that pertain to the plant and specific role. Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to conduct required testing for products prior to processing, after processing, and prior to product release.
• Housekeeping: Cooperate with other shifts and management team for facility housekeeping endeavors.
• Communication: Ensure teamwork with management and operators occurs during each scheduled shift.
• Teamwork and Training: Promote and contribute to the development of teamwork among production team members.
• Personal Development: Continuous learning of the Aseptic batching, sterilization, and filling processes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 2+ years related experience in Food Science/Food Technology, or a food or beverage production facility preferred

Schedule

Night Shift (C) - 6 pm to 6:30 am; this role is on a 2-2-3 pattern. Some flexibility may be needed.

Pay

$24.70 / hour with a $2.00/hour shift differential for working a 12-hour night shift on a 2-2-3 pattern.

Work Environment

• This position is in a production/manufacturing environment
• Approximately 95% of this work is performed in a manufacturing/lab environment; 5% may involve being in an office environment
• This role may require lifting up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds, plus ability to stand for extended periods of time

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Location: SunOpta Plant in Midlothian, TX. Potential for travel to various SunOpta locations for meetings and other job-related functions.