Quality Control / Quality Analyst Technician

About Plantible Foods

Plantible, backed by Astanor Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, Piva Capital, Kellogg’s, and Vectr Ventures, is a vertically integrated biology company unlocking the power in plants to serve people and the planet. Its mission is to create sustainable and regenerative food solutions without compromising quality.

About the role

The QA/QC Technician will join the Food Safety & Quality team, ensuring raw materials, in‑process materials, and finished products meet food safety, quality, and specification requirements. The role involves laboratory analytical testing, environmental monitoring, GMP support, and collaboration with Operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical chemistry and physical testing on raw materials, in‑process samples, and finished products (protein analysis, dry weight/total solids, spectrophotometric testing, pH, moisture, color, density, etc.).
• Prepare samples, standards, reagents, and equipment according to approved methods.
• Calculate, review, record, and communicate laboratory results; promptly escalate out‑of‑specification findings.
• Label, receive, retain, and manage material samples.
• Conduct Food Safety and Quality GEMBA walks; verify compliance with GMPs, hygiene, sanitation, and contamination‑control.
• Coach production employees on GMP practices, sampling procedures, hygiene standards, and food safety expectations.
• Support the Environmental Monitoring Program through sampling, documentation, trending, and corrective‑action follow‑up.
• Verify CCP and OPRP monitoring activities per the HACCP/Food Safety Plan.
• Support compliance programs: FSSC 22000, FSMA Preventive Controls, Gluten‑Free, Halal, Kosher, and Non‑GMO.
• Calibrate and verify laboratory equipment (balances, pH meters, thermometers, colorimeters, spectrophotometers, etc.).
• Maintain testing records, sampling logs, calibration records, environmental monitoring records, and traceability documentation.
• Assist with non‑conformance investigations, root‑cause analysis, CAPA activities, mock recalls, and traceability exercises.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and FSQ teams to troubleshoot and resolve food safety and product quality issues.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or related scientific discipline (preferred).
• Previous experience in a laboratory, QA/QC, food manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology environment (preferred); academic lab, internship, or co‑op experience may be considered.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing, sample preparation, analytical calculations, dilutions, and accurate data recording.
• Basic understanding of GMPs, HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and contamination control (training provided as needed).
• Basic knowledge of microbiology and environmental monitoring (preferred).
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation discipline.
• Ability to recognize unusual results, follow procedures, and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to work closely with production teams.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with Operations and Quality teams.
• Comfortable working in both laboratory and active manufacturing environments.
• Willingness to learn new analytical methods, equipment, and food safety systems.
• Ability to build strong, trusted relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Adaptable mindset suited to a fast‑paced startup environment.
• Some prior experience in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Desire to contribute to a sustainable impact.

Skills

• Experience with spectrophotometers, pH meters, analytical balances, moisture testing, or similar instrumentation (a plus).
• Sample preparation, analytical calculations, and data recording.
• Calibration and verification of laboratory equipment.
• GEMBA walk facilitation and employee coaching on GMPs.
• Environmental monitoring documentation and trend analysis.
• Root‑cause analysis and CAPA implementation.

Benefits

• Competitive health and wellness benefits (medical, dental, vision).
• Discretionary unlimited PTO program.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(k) program.
• Career stipend and development opportunities.
• Flexible, entrepreneurial work environment.
• Team‑building and company‑wide events.
• Relocation assistance if needed.
• Access to outdoor land for recreational activities.