This role combines hands-on laboratory testing with active involvement on the manufacturing floor to ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of food and dairy products. The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician works a 6:00 pm to 6:30 am shift on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule, spending most of the time on the production floor performing quality checks and microbiological evaluations, while also operating laboratory equipment to analyze raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods. The technician plays a key role in maintaining regulatory compliance and supporting continuous improvement in a modern, USDA-regulated facility.

• Work a 6:00 pm to 6:30 am shift on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule, adjusting to a weekly changing pattern of workdays and days off.
• Spend approximately 75% of the time on the manufacturing floor and 25% in the laboratory to support quality assurance activities.
• Begin each shift by checking emails and reviewing the daily task list to prioritize testing and floor activities.
• Swab machinery and equipment on the production floor to check for contamination and ensure sanitation standards are met.
• Perform antibiotic testing, run product and raw material samples, and conduct line checks to verify process control and product quality.
• Conduct microbiological evaluations of all raw, pasteurized, and final products according to established procedures.
• Operate laboratory equipment, including spectrometers, FTIR analyzers, moisture analyzers, and pH meters, to perform analytical tests.
• Perform daily quality audits and checks on the plant floor and document all findings accurately and promptly.
• Recognize unusual test results, trends, or product defects and immediately notify the Quality Assurance Lead, Quality Assurance Manager, and appropriate supervisors.
• Perform necessary re-checks for analytical and microbiological tests to confirm or clarify results.
• Conduct Total Solids and Moisture Analysis, powder tests for scorched particles and moisture, Whey Protein Nitrogen (WPN) tests, and bacterial tests including SPC, Coli, and LPC.
• Properly identify, label, and prepare outgoing samples for third-party testing to ensure traceability and accuracy.
• Lift 50-pound bags of raw materials and boxes multiple times per shift, typically 5 to 10 times, while following safe lifting practices.
• Frequently go up and down stairs and move between the laboratory and production floor to collect samples and perform checks.
• Communicate effectively with staff at all levels on the manufacturing floor to coordinate sampling, testing, and quality-related actions.
• Follow all quality assurance, food safety, and regulatory procedures to maintain compliance with USDA, FDA, and internal standards.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in both the laboratory and production floor, adhering to hygiene and sanitation requirements.
• Understand the scientific principles behind the tests being run to interpret results and support troubleshooting and process improvements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related life science field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Testing experience, including experience gained through college laboratory courses or projects.
• Laboratory experience, including college lab work, with familiarity in handling samples and using analytical equipment.
• Alternatively, food manufacturing experience with at least 5 of the last 10 years working in a quality assurance environment in the food industry.
• Knowledge of microbiology, biology, chemistry, and food science as they relate to food safety and quality.
• Ability to understand and apply the science behind laboratory tests and analytical methods.
• Experience or familiarity with quality assurance practices in food and dairy manufacturing environments.
• Ability to operate laboratory instruments such as spectrometers, FTIR analyzers, moisture analyzers, and pH meters.
• Capability to perform microbiological tests, including bacterial counts and related evaluations.
• Physical ability to lift 50-pound bags and boxes multiple times per shift and to frequently use stairs.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, documentation, and sample identification.
• Effective communication skills to report findings and collaborate with supervisors and production staff.
• Willingness and ability to work night shifts (6:00 pm to 6:30 am) on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule.

• Preferred: At least 6 months of experience a