Quality Control Lab Technician

Position Detail:

• BATCHER:
  • Responsible for accurately following batch instruction sheets, dispensing and weighing dry ingredient weight and lot numbers.
  • Batch syrup using correct formulation and mixing instructions.
  • Physically lift ingredient bags up to 50 lbs and manually open 1 to 5 gallon pails and jugs.
  • Must have computer skills for requesting bulk ingredients through HMI (Human Machine Interface).
  • Operate cleaning in place (CIP) system and use transfer cleaning chemicals.
  • Review daily production schedules to coordinate what product to run.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the batching and sugar rooms.
  • Ensure all Safety Standard (Company or Regulatory) are met at all times.
  • Ensure all Company Good Manufacturing Standards are met at all times.
• LAB TECH:
  • Perform required tests in SPC data system at the standard frequency including CO2, brix, TA, air, codes, dew point, taste, odor, appearance, contents, sodium, etc.
  • Perform control drinks test as needed.
  • Perform can seam check at required frequency.
  • Perform weekly full round net content of filler.
  • Perform product changeovers at filler.
  • Perform other duties as assigned (including but not limited to batching, syrup tank CIP, filler CIP, cleaning of QA area, micro testing, testing of incoming raw materials, assisting line operators if needed, calibrations, etc.
  • Valve troubleshooting and rebuilding.
  • Assist, train and mentor other lab techs with operational problems such as syrup issues, lab testing, CIP, micros, filler changeovers to improve effectiveness.
  • Assist as needed in production report filing, updating formulas, vendor information or any other lab related documents.
  • Verify and oversee water room testing and PM work as needed to insure compliance.
  • Verify that all production schedules are current and communicated to all depts.
  • Be SQF ready at all times by completing tours and following up on any issues.
  • Assist QA Manager and or Supervisor as needed.
  • Maintain communication with production regarding schedules and changes, syrup batch issues, etc.
  • Correct batch as needed according to the control drink results.
  • Ensure syrup tanks and High Shear mixer are CIP and have been verified clean by performing Taste, Odor, and Appearance testing.
  • Ensure every tank has been 7-stepped CIP at least once per week and before batching sensitive products. Maintain use of Chart Recorder.
  • Ensure that empty bags and containers are properly discarded of.
  • Follow all GMP guidelines at all times.
  • Keep work area clean and organized, keeping overhead door closed when not bringing in materials.
  • Ensure caps, gaskets, clamps, etc are kept clean and dry.
  • Ensure tanks are capped off and doors are closed after CIP.
  • Back up for this position is another trained lab tech.
  • Must have an understanding of SQF, responsible for Food, Safety/Food Quality and to notify a person with the authority to take action for any Food Safety or Food Quality issue.

Working Conditions:
• Will work regularly around moving mechanical parts and equipment and in outside weather conditions. Regularly exposed to wet floors, humid conditions, cold conditions, and caustic chemicals. Noise level requires hearing protection. Will occasionally lift up to 75 pounds during shift. Will regularly be required to walk stand, use of hands and fingers, handle objects, tools, controls, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Employee will occasionally be required to sit, climb and or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell., taste Vision requirements are close, distance, color, peripheral, depth and ability to adjust focus.
Position Requirements:
• 3-5 years of industrial / Quality Control / microbiological experience in the pharmaceutical or food industry.
• Soft drinks experience preferred.
• High school standard of education.
• BS/BA in a scientific field, preferably Microbiology, with at least 1 college level course in Microbiology.
• Understanding of GMP and Lab Safety, Standard Methods and processes.