FSQ Technician I

SunOpta Inc.; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative and sustainable manufacturer is seeking a dedicated FSQ Technician to ensure product quality and safety in a dynamic production environment. This role involves performing essential laboratory tests, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with team members to uphold high standards of food safety. If you're passionate about quality assurance and eager to contribute to a healthier future of food, this position offers a unique opportunity to thrive in a supportive and forward-thinking company. Join a team committed to excellence and make a meaningful impact in the food industry!

Qualifications

• Must perform laboratory testing to ensure product quality.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory tests for quality assurance and product safety.
• Maintain clean and organized workstation and perform equipment calibrations.

Skills

Laboratory Testing

Quality Assurance

Microbiology Testing

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

2+ Years Experience in Food Science/Food Technology

Job description

Midlothian Facility, Midlothian, Texas, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 7:00 AM | Expired Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 6:59 AM

SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands byserving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, craftingorganic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN , Dream , and West Life . For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn .

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary:

The FSQ Technician is responsible for performing necessary laboratory testing to ensure ingredients, product and packaging conform to specifications. FSQ Technician follows written and verbal instructions to determine that quality and efficiency standards are being met. In addition, the FSQ Technician is responsible for the efficiency, safety and quality of laboratory work and for effective communication relative to shift and plant performance.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Assure package integrity and product quality by performing laboratory testing and aseptic package evaluation procedures
• Perform laboratory testing such as pH, solids/moisture, sodium, etc.
• Assist with investigations related to product spoilage
• Collect and communicate lab data with Quality Supervisor and Operations Shift Leaders
• Perform incubation activities according to standard operating procedures
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment
• Responsible for laboratory equipment calibrations at specified intervals
• Accurately prepares and maintains all area paperwork
• Perform microbiology testing including basic plating in clean room environment, stocking lab, shipping samples, retrieving results, and communicating to management as needed
• All other duties as assigned

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

• Follow all facility human and food safety policies including proper use of PPE
• Report all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor

Quality

• Understand SQF code, FSMA, HACCP, and Food Defense
• Awareness of Food Safety and Quality requirements that pertain to the plant and specific role
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to conduct required testing for products prior to processing, after processing and prior to product release
• Cooperates with other shifts and management team for facility housekeeping endeavors

Communication

• Ensure teamwork with management and operators occurs during each scheduled shift

Teamwork and Training

• Promote and contribute to the development of teamwork among production team members

Personal Development

• Continuous learning of the Aseptic batching, sterilization, and filling processes

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Level I Qualifications:

• Must learn and perform consistently the above essential duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Confident with independent work
• Able to evaluate a situation and make a good decision or escalate appropriately
• Able to stand for long periods of time
• Able to do repetitive work
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and at times more

Education/ Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required

2+ years related experience in Food Science/Food Technology, or a food or beverage production facility preferred.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: This position will be at the SunOpta Plant in Midlothian, TX.
• Travel: Potential for travel to various SunOpta locations for meetings and other job-related functions.
• Shift: Day Shift - 6 am to 6:30 pm; this role is on a 2-2-3 pattern. Some flexibility may be needed.
• Work Environment: This position will be in a production / manufacturing environment.
• Physical Demands: This role may require lifting up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
• Work Environment: Approximately 95% of this work is performed in a manufacturing/lab environment; 5% of work may involve being in an office environment.
• Attendance: Must have good attendance record and be able to work a 12-hour shift.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED

Midlothian Facility, Midlothian, Texas, United States of America