Food Industry Quality Lab Technician

Arthur Schuman Midwest Llc; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Schuman Cheese is seeking a Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician to help ensure food safety and quality. The role covers testing raw materials and finished goods, data record keeping, and supporting the hold/release process.

Responsibilities include assisting with audits, ensuring SOP adherence, and educating staff on GMPs to maintain compliance. The position involves lab and production environments with physical demands and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• At least High School graduate or food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently.
• Effective collaboration and influence skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) preferred.
• Attention to detail; thorough and accurate in work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with quality programs and compliance in relation to certifications and standards.
• Perform routine chemical analysis on raw materials and finished products (pH, moisture, salt, fat) as per specs.
• Support data entry and record keeping per lab SOPs.
• Assist with product sampling, inspection, testing and hold/release program.
• Provide feedback to managers and production on quality discrepancies.
• Support audits by retrieving docs and coordinating with staff.
• Educate site employees on GMPs, programs and policies to improve compliance.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Collaboration and influence

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Primary Purpose: The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician assists in ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. They are responsible for performing required testing on raw materials and finished goods.Responsibilities:Quality Programs and ComplianceEnsure compliance of quality requirements in relation to certifications, customer, state and federal standardsFollow Standard Operating Procedures and Good Manufacturing & Laboratory practices, programs and policiesPerform routine chemical analysis on raw material and finished product including pH, moisture, salt and fat testing as required by the current specificationsData entry and record keeping duties as required per laboratory SOP’sAssist with product sampling, inspection, testing and other duties required to support the site’s hold and release programProvide feedback to managers and production team when quality related discrepancies, violations or other issues that occur and need to be resolvedAudit SupportSupport Quality Management during facility visits, audits and inspectionsRetrieve documentation and records, track down needed individuals and any other information or people as requested during the audit processTraining and Employee EducationEngage site employees in Good Manufacturing Practices, programs and policies to educate and improve complianceAll other duties as assigned.Education, Qualities and Skills Required:At least High School graduate or food manufacturing experience preferredStrong written and verbal communication skillsSelf-motivated with ability to work independentlyEffective collaboration and influence skillsProficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) preferredAttention to detail; thorough and accurate in workSupervisory Responsibility:No direct supervision required.Work Environment:Work environment fluctuates between laboratory setting and food production areas. Standing is required for 70% of work shift. Must be able to walk, bend, stoop, squat and twist. Must be able to occasionally lift 25-50lbs. Temperatures range from 30°-100°F. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in required areas.Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:This is a full-time hourly position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, with a possibility of weekend shifts depending on the needs of production schedules. Expectations of 45-60 hours per week, depending on the needs of production schedules.Physical Requirements:The physical requirements for an office environment typically include:1. Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation.2. Typing: Frequent use of hands to type on a keyboard and operate a computer mouse.3. Visual Requirements: Extended periods of viewing a computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.4. Mobility: 50% walking or standing, including moving between different areas of the office and food production areas. Must be able to walk, bend stoop, squat and twist.5. Manual Dexterity: The ability to handle office equipment and laboratory equipment.6. Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.7. Lifting: Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 25-50 pounds, such cheese products and cases.8. Reaching and Bending: Reaching above shoulder height and bending to access equipment and product samples.9. Hearing: Adequate hearing ability to be aware of surrounding in production areas and to participate in meetings.These requirements ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and safely within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.Compensation and Benefits:The budgeted salary range for this position is $16-$19.Our comprehensive benefits package includes:Health, dental, and vision insurance401(k) plan with 4.5% employer contributionPaid time off and holidaysProfessional development opportunitiesEmployee wellness programsSalary range is based on consideration of required qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority, etc. Schuman Cheese reserves the right to offer the selected candidate or applicant an hourly rate or salary at an appropriate level to be set and determined by Schuman Cheese that is commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority.We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.Schuman Cheese does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be held liable for recruiter fees associated with unsolicited resumes.AI Recruiting Notice: Schuman Cheese may use AI-assisted tools to support recruiting activities, including candidate sourcing, job description development, and recruitment communications. AI is used only to assist our recruiting team. All hiring decisions are made by qualified Schuman Cheese employees following human review and evaluation.