Lab Technician

dfa; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K

Job summary

DFA is seeking a QC/QA-focused technician to apply quality control experience across product testing, sampling, and data analysis. You will ensure adherence to batch specifications and GMP standards, calibrate instruments, and maintain meticulous records in a fast-paced production environment.

The role requires attention to detail, good communication, and the ability to work with accuracy. Training and safety compliance are emphasized to meet high food safety and quality expectations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Post-secondary education related to food science or related fields preferred.
• 1–3 years of food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance experience beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Ensure quality of batch preparation and QC activities to meet specs and quality standards.
• Test incoming and outgoing products for suitability and compliance with standards.
• Perform sample setup, preparation, and cleanup.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation as directed.
• Notify supervisor of out-of-range values or quality trends; monitor problems.
• Maintain lab records and complete paperwork accurately and timely; data entry as required.
• Prepare reports of results.
• Maintain process control by monitoring statistical information and reporting to team leader or supervisor.
• Participate in task meetings and suggest efficiency improvements with equipment.
• Perform daily cleaning of task area; CIP cleaning; wash lab utensils and glassware.
• Maintain safe working conditions and comply with state and federal health and safety regulations.
• Follow DFA GMP and all regulatory, food safety, sanitation requirements.

Skills

Quality control

Laboratory equipment

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Post-secondary education in food science or related field

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Calibration equipment

Job description

General Purpose

Apply quality control experience to perform tasks related to the testing of products, setting of samples, and following through on various quality assurance programs. Test and inspect products at various stages of the batching and production process. Compile and evaluate data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products. Use gauges and other devices to verify conformity to standards of products being tested. Work with a high degree of accuracy and concentration to produce valid test results in a timely manner. Ensure that products are produced and distributed to the highest food safety and quality standards.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure quality of batch preparation and quality control activities, including process inspection, sampling, and evaluation to meet specification and quality standards
• Properly test incoming and outgoing products for suitability and compliance with appropriate standards
• Perform sample setup/sorting, preparation, and clean-up
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation as directed
• Notify supervisor of any out-of-range value or variation from accepted norms in operations or product quality immediately; monitor quality problems or trends
• Maintain lab records as directed. Complete all required paperwork accurately, clearly, timely, and completely with required information. Complete data entry into the computer system(s). Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with standard operation procedures
• Prepare reports of results
• Maintain process control by monitoring and/or generating statistical information and reporting to team leader or supervisor
• Participate in task meetings and suggest changes in work tasks and use of equipment to increase efficiencies
• Perform daily cleaning of task area keeping work area free of clutter. During CIP (Clean in Place), perform detail cleaning in task areas. Wash lab utensils and glassware; assist with other clean-up activities
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.Other duties may be assigned as required

Rotating shift between 2nd and 3rd

$31.08 per hour

Benefits

401K

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary education related to food science, biological science, or related sciences preferred
• 1 to 3 years of food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance, and/or related work experience
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment such as Better Processing Certificate, state certification for antibiotic testing, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and skill with applicable laboratory equipment
• Able to use Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to use and understand calculations used for laboratory analysis
• Able to follow laboratory procedures and state and federal regulations regarding the testing of applicable products
• Able to keep good records (record keeping skill)
• Able to follow directions
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work in collaboration, foster good teamwork, and promptly share relevant information with others
• Able to identify problems, take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems, and implement solutions
• Able to perform task and duties under general supervision
• Must be able to read, write and speak English