Quality Lab Technician

Summary/Objective- The QC Lab Technician is responsible for testing materials and products for the purpose of meeting regulatory and quality standards.  Across the three stages of production (initial, in-progress, and finished), the Lab Technician will be responsible for collecting samples, testing the products for water activity and other specifications, and preparing the test data for review. 

Essential Functions

·         Routinely collect and test product samples from various production stages.

·         Record inspection or test data, such as weights, temperatures, grades, or moisture content, and quantities inspected or tested.  Prepare test data for review and analysis.

·         Assist in analyzing test data to look for quality trends and potential improvement areas.

·         Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments and/or testing equipment.

·         Read data sheets, manuals, or other materials to determine specifications, inspection and testing procedures, adjustment methods, certification processes, formulas, or measuring instruments required.

·         Assist in cleaning and maintaining measuring instruments or test equipment.

·         Mark items with details such as grade or acceptance-rejection status.

·         Notify supervisors or other personnel of production problems.

·         Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.

·         Collect or select samples for testing or for use as models.

·         Write test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or needed repairs.

·         Compare colors, shapes, textures, or grades of products or materials with color charts, templates, or samples to verify conformance to standards.

·         Assist in conducting internal audits to determine how the product quality can be improved.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Must have previous laboratory experience

Must have basic data analysis and critical thinking skills

Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision

Must be competent with Microsoft Excel

Must be competent with laboratory testing equipment

Must possess strong communication skills (verbal and written).

Must be a team player.

Must be detail oriented.

Must be well organized.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee is required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  Furthermore, this position requires standing for extended periods of time.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Hours and days of work varied depending on shift and production demands.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or comparable field required.  1-3 years’ experience in food manufacturing environment preferred. 

Work Authorization/Security Clearance 

Must be authorized to work in the US.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities, but can be a point of contact if leadership is out of the office.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to food scents, some food allergens, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. 

Travel

None.

AAP/EEO Statement

NPIC is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, genetic information or any other category protected by local, state, or federal law. 

We take affirmative action to assure that all employment decisions are based on individual merit, qualifications and capabilities as well as valid job requirements, and that equal employment opportunities are provided with regard to all personnel actions.