QC Senior Technician

dsm-firmenich; Montechiarugolo; On-site; EUR 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unique career paths across health, nut

Sustainability embedded in all we do

Science-led company with cutting-edgeR

Job summary

DSM-Firmenich AG in Collecchio, near Parma, Italy, seeks a hands-on QC Senior Technician to establish and operate the new QC laboratory as part of the Collecchio site startup. You will perform routine testing, support timely product releases, maintain lab methods and equipment, and guide QC colleagues to ensure reliability and data integrity.

The role requires GMP knowledge, experience with physicochemical and sensory testing, and the ability to work in shifts.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in chemistry, food science, microbiology or related discipline.
• Experience in a quality control lab within food/flavour/nutrition manufacturing.
• Good GMP, data integrity and food safety knowledge (ISO 9001, FSSC 22000).
• Willingness to work in shifts and support startup activities.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate the QC laboratory for site startup and routine production.
• Perform sampling and chemical, physical and organoleptic testing of materials and products.
• Support product release with timely results and compliant records.
• Maintain instruments, calibration records and reagents; coordinate service.
• Review results, escalate out-of-spec indications and document investigations.
• Provide training and technical guidance to QC technicians.
• Contribute to method transfer, validation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Clear communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Shift readiness

Education

Degree in chemistry, food science, microbiology or related discipline

Tools

LIMS or similar systems

Titration

Spectroscopy

Moisture/water activity testing

Particle size analysis

Density measurement

Job description

Job title \- QC Senior Technician (83293)

Location \- Collecchio, Parma (Italy)

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Collecchio, near the vibrant city of Parma, dsm-firmenich is proud to announce the opening of a cutting-edge production plant in early 2027.

The new state-of-the-art facility will feature the latest technologies such as ASTAROME™, to enable the use of liquid flavors in dry blends, and the production of more cost-effective reaction flavors. With automated packaging lines and modern warehouse, sampling, QC lab, and expansion capacity to ship, the site will be a state-of-the-art place to help fulfill the ambition of Taste, Texture & Health of dsm-firmenich. It will be a place where talent and technology come together to fulfill our ambition: shaping the future together and driving the progress of food innovation.

We’re looking for a motivated and hands‑on QC Senior Technician to help establish and operate the quality control laboratory at our new Collecchio site. You will perform and coordinate routine testing, support timely product release, maintain reliable laboratory methods and equipment, and provide day‑to‑day technical guidance to QC colleagues. You will play an important role in building laboratory analytical capabilities and supporting sensory evaluation activities during the site start‑up phase. This is a unique opportunity to shape safe, efficient and right‑first‑time laboratory practices from the start. Join us and play a key role in shaping the future of food experiences!

Your key responsibilities

• Support the setup, qualification and day‑to‑day operation of the QC laboratory, ensuring readiness for site start‑up and routine production.
• Perform and coordinate sampling, chemical, physical and organoleptic testing of raw materials, in‑process samples, finished products and environmental samples in accordance with approved methods and specifications.
• Perform physicochemical analyses used for raw material and finished product release and support sensory evaluation activities, including sample preparation where required.
• Review analytical results and laboratory records for accuracy, completeness and compliance, escalating atypical, out‑of‑specification or out‑of‑trend results promptly.
• Support timely product release by ensuring testing priorities, sample flow and results are managed effectively in line with production and customer requirements.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, calibration, verification, reference standards, reagents and consumables, coordinating service activities where required.
• Contribute to laboratory procedures, method transfer, validation, troubleshooting, investigations, non‑conformances and corrective actions.
• Support analytical method implementation and continuous improvement activities as the laboratory expands its testing capabilities.
• Provide technical guidance and training to QC technicians, promote safe working practices and drive continuous improvement in laboratory quality, efficiency and data integrity.

We offer

• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty \- explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen.
• A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do.
• A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game‑changers, you’ll work on what’s next.
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership.
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.
• For this role, the salary range is €31,000 – €35,000 gross per year

Your offer within this range will be determined based on objective, gender‑neutral and role‑related criteria, including your relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and primary work location.

Our compensation practices are designed to ensure a fair and equitable pay approach. Benefits and incentive opportunities, where applicable, may vary depending on the work location and the role.

You bring

• Degree, diploma or equivalent technical qualification in chemistry, food science, microbiology or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in a quality control laboratory within food, flavour, nutrition or a related manufacturing environment. Experience with physicochemical testing and sensory evaluation activities would be advantageous.
• Practical experience of laboratory sampling, testing, instrument operation, calibration and results documentation; experience with LIMS or similar systems is desirable. Experience with analytical laboratory techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, moisture or water activity testing, particle size analysis, density measurement, or similar physicochemical analyses would be an advantage.
• Good understanding of GMP, laboratory safety, data integrity and food safety and quality systems such as FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001. Knowledge of microbiology and food safety principles would be considered an advantage.
• Willingness to work in a shift‑based environment and support future laboratory operational requirements.
• Ability to organise priorities, work accurately under time pressure and investigate technical issues using a structured problem‑solving approach.
• Clear communication and teamwork skills, with the confidence to train colleagues and coordinate routine QC activities.
• Excellent knowledge of Italian and good working knowledge of English.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.