LAB TECHNICIAN II

The French's Food Company, a subsidiary of McCormick & Company, Inc. and a global leader in flavor, is seeking a full-time Lab Technician for the plant located in Springfield, MO. This role reports to the QA Team Manager. With more than $500 million in annual sales, the company crafts trusted foods using simple, high-quality ingredients, including French's Classic Yellow Mustard and Franks Red Hot.

Schedule

• Sunday - Tuesday: 7 AM - 7 PM
• Wednesday: 7 AM - 1 PM
• Ability to work overtime on short notice and required weekend work
• Flexibility with shift and workday assignments to support business needs

Responsibilities

• Conduct analytical testing of both raw and finished products using methods, procedures, and instrumentation (e.g., titrator, pH meter, scale, viscometer, HPLC, moisture analyzer).
• Examine and test samples, accurately recording results on paper, logbooks, and computer systems (e.g., SAP, SharePoint).
• Interpret data and provide direction to the manufacturing group to ensure products meet established specifications.
• Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Participate in and achieve acceptable results in proficiency testing events.
• Perform lab maintenance and general cleaning.
• Audit production lines for key quality attributes such as code dates, fill weights, metal detection, and package integrity.
• Perform initial troubleshooting for operational issues (e.g., foreign material findings, supplier issues).
• Coordinate timely quarantine and issuance of Quality Notifications for finished goods and/or supplier issues.
• Communicate test results, discuss performance metrics related to quality, and collaborate with operations to correct problems and improve processes.
• Partner with operations teams to prevent production stoppages.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings with Production, Maintenance, and Materials Management teams as needed.
• Provide MAC (Manufacturing Analysis Costing) support as directed by the Quality Team Manager, QA Crew Lead, or Quality Engineer.
• Handle raw material release by communicating with Supply/Planning groups to obtain release if information is not in SAP.
• Complete assigned shiftly, daily, and weekly tasks (e.g., retain room discard, plant air environmental testing, product contact compressed air testing, potable water sampling/testing).
• Address all JTE Quality, Visual Factory, and other related items.
• Actively promote safety and identify unsafe actions and conditions using a principle-based safety approach.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong understanding and practice of Good Laboratory Practices.
• College coursework in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or equivalent (or 3 years’ experience in a laboratory setting).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Color vision (ability to detect color differences in product daily).
• Attention to detail in making evaluative judgments based on factual information.
• Ability to resolve problems by identifying and selecting solutions through technical experience and precedent review.
• Sound and comprehensive communication and diplomacy skills to exchange complex or sensitive information.
• Demonstrate McCormick’s High-Performance Organization Competencies: Values All People, Strategic Thinking, Influence, Personal & Team Leadership, Attracting & Developing Talent, Innovation & Business Savvy & Acumen.
• Acceptable attendance record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of previous analytical lab experience (academic laboratory work considered).
• Strong skills in written and verbal communication.
• Strong understanding of SAP transactions (quality-focused) and SAP results/data.