Quality Lab Technician

About the Role

As our Quality Lab Technician, you will be responsible for ensuring that all finished products are tested and run within specification. Your contributions will strengthen our operations, support our culture of continuous improvement, and help Ornua deliver high-quality products enjoyed by consumers around the world.

Ornua is a leading dairy company and the proud owner of premium dairy brands enjoyed by consumers around the globe. With annual revenues exceeding $3.7 billion and a global workforce of approximately 2,800 employees, Ornua operates across 10 business units and 12 production facilities spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa. In North America, Ornua focuses on delivering high-quality dairy products and ingredients to retail, foodservice, and food manufacturing customers.

Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate lab equipment
• Check the Production line at the beginning of each new product to ensure that the proper raw materials and ingredients are being used
• Check the Packaging line at the beginning of each product run to ensure proper product labeling and identification
• Perform required on-line testing (Fat, Moisture, pH, etc.) during Production to ensure that products will function and conform to specifications
• Communicate with Production staff regarding formula adjustments
• Perform finished product testing on samples the following production day which includes: Melt, Flavor, Color, Functionality and Microbiological testing
• Generate reports on all finished products following testing
• Conduct additional customer-specific testing on finished products (Sauce, Viscosity, Water Activity, etc.)
• Perform environmental swabbing on a weekly basis
• Obtain cheese samples of incoming raw materials for analytical testing
• Obtain and prepare hot product samples for pathogen testing
• Complete Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
• Generate product formulas
• Demonstrate adherence to the site’s Safety and GMP practices
• Attend monthly facility Safety training
• Assist with appropriate Risk Assessments upon request
• Assist with appropriate Accident/Incident Investigations and Right-to-Refuse Investigation
• Other duties as assigned by management

Requirements

• Must be able to communicate, read, and write in English
• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school education or higher
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to multi-task effectively
• Strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) applications to a food production facility

Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a lab environment strongly preferred
• Good work standing with regards to performance and attendance
• Support a safe work environment
• Self-motivated, dependable, and a team player
• Ability to represent the company in an upbeat and professional manner
• Ability to give and take direction
• Good communication skills

Physical Demands

This role requires regular standing, walking, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 60 pounds. Employees must be able to perform repetitive motions and safely operate equipment while following all safety and quality procedures.

Working Environment

Work is performed in a food manufacturing facility with variable temperatures — cooler warehouse areas and warmer production zones. The environment includes exposure to moving equipment, moderate to loud noise levels, and required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, hearing protection, gloves, and hairnets.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 5 am – 3:30 pm, overtime as necessary.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and quarterly bonus scheme for production
• Low employee contribution for Medical, Vision, and Dental benefits
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid Time Off
• Maternity Leave (20 weeks)
• Parental Leave
• Reward & Recognition program
• Volunteering opportunities
• Long Service Awards