Lab Technician

About the role

This role performs a broad range of quality testing on food ingredient products, including sweet inclusions for ice cream, beverage mixes, vitamins, and other finished goods, as well as incoming ingredients. The Quality Technician conducts sensory evaluations and analytical, chemical, and physical tests in accordance with current specifications. The position supports food safety and quality programs by identifying non-conformances, investigating root causes, and documenting results in laboratory and quality systems. This is an excellent opportunity to gain broad experience in quality within a food manufacturing environment, with potential for long-term career growth.

Responsibilities

• Perform a wide range of quality tests on food ingredient products, including sensory evaluations and analytical, chemical, and physical testing for finished goods and incoming ingredients according to current specifications.
• Conduct sensory testing on products, including those containing dairy, to evaluate taste, texture, appearance, and overall quality.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment at the frequencies specified in calibration procedures, ensuring accurate and reliable test results.
• Identify lots and batches that do not meet specifications and thoroughly investigate non-conformance issues, including evaluating data and proposing solutions.
• Assist in complaint investigations by reviewing test data, contributing to root cause analysis, and supporting corrective and preventive actions.
• Review and write standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the laboratory as needed, maintaining a continuous improvement mindset.
• Perform daily Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) inspections and walkthroughs in the plant, monitoring compliance with quality and food safety standards.
• Conduct in-plant process and internal audits, including swabbing equipment, rooms, drains, and other areas to support environmental compliance.
• Collect and composite swab samples for external microbiological testing, ensuring proper handling, labeling, and documentation.
• Document all test results accurately in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and internal databases to support tracking, trending, and compliance.
• Create labels for incoming ingredients and ensure accurate identification, traceability, and status labeling.
• Release batches in the system once testing confirms that products meet specifications and quality standards.
• Follow all quality and food safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements while working in both lab and plant environments.
• Participate actively in continuous improvement activities, identifying opportunities to enhance testing methods, processes, and documentation.
• Communicate effectively with production and other departments, confidently representing quality standards and acting as a steward of product quality.
• Adapt to changing priorities and production needs, including supporting extended or additional shifts when required.
• Perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and repetitive motions, and move, lift, or push objects weighing up to 55 pounds as part of daily work.
• Work safely in a plant environment that may be hot, humid, or cooler in warehouse areas, and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniforms as required.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma with 1–2 years of experience in a quality or laboratory role in a manufacturing environment preferred; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with laboratory exposure and experience in an industrial, labor-intensive, or on-your-feet position (such as restaurant experience).
• Understanding of basic laboratory procedures gained through education or work experience.
• Experience or familiarity with quality control practices in a manufacturing or food environment.
• Ability to perform sensory testing, including products containing milk and other dairy ingredients.
• Ability to calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment according to defined procedures.
• Capability to conduct analytical, chemical, and physical testing on food ingredients and finished products.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and develop practical solutions to non-conformance issues.
• Ability to work independently and manage daily tasks with minimal supervision.
• Comfort working in both laboratory and plant environments, including areas with fluctuating temperature and humidity.
• Physical ability to lift and move up to 55 pounds and to perform prolonged standing, walking, and other physical activities.
• Willingness and flexibility to work extended shifts, occasional weekends, or adjust start and end times as needed.
• Proficiency in documenting test results accurately in LIMS or similar systems and internal databases.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to following GMP, quality, and food safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience performing GMP inspections, internal audits, and environmental monitoring such as equipment and room swabbing.
• Familiarity with composite sampling and sending samples for external microbiological testing.
• Experience reviewing and writing laboratory SOPs and participating in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Comfort working with powdered products, especially those that are mixed with dairy.
• Ability to confidently interact with production personnel and uphold quality standards, even under pressure.
• Adaptable and flexible mindset, with a strong desire for continuous learning and professional development.
• Experience in fast-paced, hands-on roles such as restaurant or other industrial environments.
• Interest in building a long-term career in quality or production leadership within a manufacturing setting.
• No known food allergies other than peanut and fish/shellfish allergies, and no color blindness, to safely perform sensory and visual quality tests.

Work Environment

This position operates in a combined lab/test kitchen and food manufacturing plant environment. The lab team is small and collaborative, consisting of a handful of technicians working closely with a supervisor, quality manager, and quality assurance coordinators.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $21.00 – $21.55/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)