Lab Technician

About the role

The Laboratory Technician monitors and performs qualitative/quantitative testing of process and product attributes to ensure food safety and food quality; ensures compliance with all applicable regulations such as the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance; complies with all applicable standards such as GFSI (Global Food Safety), Third party audits such as Silliker, Kosher, and Organic requirements; ensures processes, work in progress, incoming goods, in-process product, finished product meets specifications; interpretation of testing results to release of product that has met specifications; and processes documentation for non-conforming product and communicates information to plant management.

Responsibilities

• Check butterfat, total solids, pH, acidity, flavor, odor, cryoscopy, viscosity, brix, HR-1, 2 &3, temperatures, antibiotics, coliform, DMC, DMSCC and SPC.
• Calculate formulas and accelerated shelf life testing.
• Performs in plant weight checks, temperature checks, ingredient usage and distribution, code date verification.
• Performs environmental testing and Pre-op swabbing and maintains all records.
• Conducts pathogen monitoring on raw & finished products and maintains results.
• Responsible for hold/release/rejection of finished goods and raw materials.
• Maintains all lab records, internal and external lab results, inspection reports, vitamin log, water & glycol records.
• Captures documentation for Quality Team Audits, including Good Manufacturing Practices and Housekeeping.
• Coordinates and maintains all third-party laboratory testing programs.
• Responsible for maintaining proper calibration standards.
• Responsible for daily finished product evaluation and Appendix N antibiotic testing.
• Aids with state and federal lab inspections.
• Completes sensory evaluation of raw material and finished product.
• Helps control plant losses.
• Completes all duties in a manner that is consistent with all aspects of the company safety rules and good manufacturing practices.
• Performs related duties as assigned by the Manager or Supervisor on duty.
• Responsible for microbiological testing/documentation of finished and in-process products; interpret the results and retest/report abnormalities as needed; generate standard report of results.
• Conduct routine inspection of processing areas including documentation to ensure that all documentation is present and correct and that all areas comply with GMPs and sanitation requirements.

Qualifications

• High School diploma at a minimum. Bachelor's degree in a science field or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• At least one or more years with previous laboratory with microbiology and chemistry experience required. Experience in a food production environment preferred.
• Must be accurate and precise in testing procedures and mix formulation calculations and have a keen sense of odors and flavors.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to read, write and interpret documents such as safety rules, procedure manuals and mathematical calculations.
• Must have the ability to read, comprehend and follow technical instructions, effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.
• Must have the ability to speak and understand English fluently.
• Must have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Must have the ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed and involved written or oral instructions and mathematical calculations.
• Must have the ability to prioritize and organize.
• Must have the ability to demonstrate superb decision-making ability to determine best course of action in assessing test results.
• Must possess basic computer skills; knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet programs required.
• Knowledge of MS Office and SAP preferred.
• Knowledgeable with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), safety programs and procedures.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!

• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

Shift

Rotating shift schedule - 3,2,2 (work 3 days, off 2 days, work 2 days, then it rotates)

• Schedule: 12-hour shift from 6pm to 6am

Position Location

Goodyear, AZ

Reports to

Quality Control Supervisor

Equal Opportunity Employer

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors. In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email careers@fairlife.com.

Recruitment Agencies

All recruitment agencies should contact careers@fairlife.com before submitting candidates. Unsolicited resumes or submissions from external agencies not authorized by our Talent Acquisition team will be considered direct candidate applications. As such, fairlife will not assume responsibility for any placement fees associated with these submissions.