Food Quality Lab Technician

The Judge Group; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking a Quality Control Technician in San Clemente, CA for a hands-on role in a food manufacturing environment. The position emphasizes lab testing, sample preparation, and strict adherence to food safety standards to ensure product quality and safety.

The role supports GMP, HACCP, and FDA/USDA compliance, with responsibilities including maintaining lab equipment, logging data, and assisting with investigations.

Qualifications

• Must have demonstrable experience working in a laboratory setting (wet chemistry, sample preparation, analytical testing, and lab safety protocols).
• 1+ years of QC experience in a food, beverage, or FMCG manufacturing environment preferred.
• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree or college coursework in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related laboratory discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Testing & Analysis: Perform routine physical, chemical, and organoleptic laboratory testing (e.g., pH, moisture, Brix, water activity, titration, temperature checks) on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Environmental & Microbiological Monitoring: Prepare laboratory reagents, conduct environmental swabbing (ATP/microbiological), and perform pre-operational line clearances to prevent cross-contamination.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), HACCP, allergen control protocols, and FDA/USDA regulations across the lab and production floor.
• Lab Equipment Maintenance: Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory instrumentation (pH meters, refractometers, analytical scales, moisture analyzers, thermometers) according to standard protocols.
• Documentation & Defect Management: Accurately log analytical lab data, place non-conforming product on hold, issue non-conformance reports, and assist with root-cause investigations.

Skills

Lab testing

cGMP/HACCP

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Education

HS diploma or GED

Associate degree/college coursework in related field

Tools

pH meters

Refractometers

Analytical scales

Moisture analyzers

Thermometers

Job description

The Judge Group is seeking a Quality Control Technician in San Clemente, CA for a hands-on role in a food manufacturing environment. The position emphasizes lab testing, sample preparation, and strict adherence to food safety standards to ensure product quality and safety.

The role supports GMP, HACCP, and FDA/USDA compliance, with responsibilities including maintaining lab equipment, logging data, and assisting with investigations.