Quality Control Lab Technician (Blue Nights 6:30 PM - 6:30 AM)
Buffalo Rock is an award-winning Pepsi and Keurig Dr Pepper bottler founded in Birmingham, AL more than 123 years ago. Buffalo Rock manages a leading beverage portfolio that includes several beloved global and regional brands.
About the role
The Quality Control Lab Technician is a key member of the Quality Control team responsible for performing general functions to support quality assurance. This position ensures the overall quality of ingredients and finished products in accordance with Company Standards to uphold trademark integrity. The QC Lab Technician tests product and documents processes based on specific product requirements, with a focus on time management and technical knowledge of water treatment, product batching, testing, and sensory evaluation.
Responsibilities
- Regular and timely attendance; work all hours necessary to ensure operations function, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Walk to assigned line, obtain product samples, and bring them to the testing area.
- Complete quality tests on obtained samples as instructed and document results in the Infinity system.
- Notify supervisor if defects are found and inform filler operators of product removal for further testing.
- Obtain and test samples every 1 hour ±20 minutes after the line begins running.
- Read and interpret gauges and tables as instructed by the supervisor.
- Stand or walk for long periods.
- Check product at line startup for proper code, raw materials, and ensure all quality specifications are met before production begins.
- Perform sensory testing at startup, shutdown, and every hour ±20 minutes throughout the production run; compare to standards if questionable results are found.
- Communicate quality issues with production operators and supervisors; participate in line startups to ensure microblends meet required specifications.
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as outlined in CFR 21 section 110 and participate in Food Safety training.
- Report potential Food Safety issues.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of process improvements and technical developments.
- Exhibit high ethical and moral conduct while representing Buffalo Rock Company.
- Complete assigned training curriculum, including online and facilitated training.
- Take reasonable precautions to protect the Company from damage, theft, or liabilities and ensure employee safety.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED (required); college education in a science background (preferred).
- Food processing laboratory experience (required); blending experience (preferred).
- Advanced experience with Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Access).
- Ability to become Forklift Certified through Buffalo Rock.
- Knowledge of computer software programs with willingness to acquire new skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and accountability.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated with a commitment to continuous improvement and safety awareness.
- Ability to work in varying temperatures (hot, cold, or normal) and mostly indoors.
Physical Demands
- Stand: Frequently (33%-66% of the time)
- Walk: Constantly (more than 66% of the time)
- Manually Manipulate: Constantly
- Grasp: Frequently
- Reach Outward: Frequently
- Speak: Frequently
- Climb: Occasionally (up to 33% of the time)
- Squat or Kneel: Occasionally
- Bend: Occasionally
- Lift/Carry:
- 10 lbs. or less: Constantly
- 11-20 lbs.: Constantly
- 21-50 lbs.: Frequently
- Push/Pull:
- 12 lbs. or less: Constantly
- 13-25 lbs.: Constantly
Skills
- Accountability
- Accuracy
- Analytical Skills
- Oral and Written Communication
- Detail-Oriented
- Honesty/Integrity
- Judgment and Problem-Solving
- Organization
- Safety Awareness
- Self-Motivation
- Training and Development
Work Environment
Temperatures can vary between hot, cold, or normal. Work is primarily indoors.