QA Lab Analyst (Milz)

Mars Incorporated; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Petcare in Aurora, NE is hiring a Quality Assurance Lab Tech to support the manufacturing of high‑quality pet food. The role focuses on inbound material testing, in‑process testing, and finished product checks to ensure compliance with Mars specifications.

You will perform QA activities, collect samples, communicate results to production, and assist in special tests as needed. A high school diploma and 1–2 years of manufacturing or lab experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1-2 years of experience (manufacturing environment and/or laboratory experience preferred).

Responsibilities

• Perform Quality Assurance activities as detailed in the Quality Systems manual.
• Ability to perform all lab tests and finished product testing.
• Communicate results of routine QA tests to production personnel and notify supervisors of issues.
• Collect ingredients and finished product samples as required.
• Assist in special tests or inspections requested by the plant QA department.
• Use analytical data to assist operations in determining the cause of issues.
• Understand processes at NEA to troubleshoot issues.
• Maintain lab housekeeping and equipment maintenance.
• Enter data into Nexus System; maintain inventory and calibration for testing equipment.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Nexus System

NIR

Infinity QS

Job description

Job Description:

Job: QA - Lab Tech

Shift: Afternoons

Location: Mars Petcare - Aurora, Nebraska

Mars Petcare is looking to hire a Quality Assurance Lab Tech our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Aurora, Nebraska!

Being a Mars Associate is all about opportunity. The opportunity to do challenging, exciting work that shapes the world's best-loved brands. To work with real purpose, supported by talented, friendly people from different backgrounds. Access the tools, training, and experience you need to impact our business, the planet positively, and, most importantly, your career. Being a Mars associate is more than a job. It's the opportunity to start your tomorrow today.

The role is required to support the manufacturing of high-quality pet food that meets or exceeds all specifications set by Mars in the amount and schedule dictated by business needs. This function is responsible for all quality testing of inbound raw materials.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Perform activities of Quality Assurance as detailed in the Quality Systems manual.
• Ability to perform all lab tests and finished product testing.
• Communicate results of routine QA tests to production personnel. Notify supervisory personnel and QA Supervisor of product quality or plant conditions that may hurt the product and work together to correct the situation. In the case of finished products, perform follow-up testing until the situation is corrected and product disposition is resolved in a quality-conscious manner.
• Collect ingredients and finished product samples as required.
• Assist in special tests or inspections requested by the plant QA department by the Plant Manager, Shift Manager, and QA Manager.
• Use analytical data to assist operations in determining the cause of issues.
• Understand processes at NEA to troubleshoot issues.
• Actively work towards quality improvement (final product, plant condition, and customer service) to improve productivity and cost reduction.
• Lab housekeeping and equipment maintenance
• Ability to actively address food safety and quality concerns.
• Able to cover all receiving functions as necessary.
• Able to cover all composite lab activities as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Ensure adherence to all site food safety and security practices.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment to promote associate safety and product integrity.
• Must be able to cover overtime for the area. 12 hr. shifts.
• Initiate PRIMPS and non-conformances in Nexus System
• Enter data into NIR and Infinity QS databases.
• Maintain inventory and calibration for testing equipment in the lab.
• Support material quality management sampling and submission.

Education/Professional Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-2 years of experience (manufacturing environment and/or laboratory experience preferred)

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

About Mars

An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus. Mars is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.