QA Lab Tech

Poppies Bakeries LLC; Rocky Mount (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Poppies Bakeries LLC in Rocky Mount, NC seeks a dedicated QA Lab Technician to uphold quality and food safety across our baking operations. You will perform environmental sampling, analyze raw materials, and report findings to maintain product integrity.

You will handle lab equipment, prepare media and solutions, and assist on the production floor to keep lines running smoothly. A meticulous, hands-on candidate with strong communication will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Microbiological testing skills and knowledge of testing methods.
• General laboratory skills, including media preparation.
• Strong hands-on technical abilities and close attention to detail.
• Commitment to following documented procedures and food safety standards.
• Clear, timely communication with supervisors, production, and management.
• Flexibility to move between bench work, equipment care, and support on the line.

Responsibilities

• Morning rounds collecting environmental samples throughout the bakery per testing plan.
• Sample, test, and analyze raw materials, in-process samples, water, and finished baked goods.
• Document findings and communicate results to appropriate personnel; raise quality concerns.
• Assist on the production floor by troubleshooting on-line issues to keep ovens running.
• Clean, calibrate, and maintain lab and production testing equipment and perform calibration checks.
• Verify lab chemicals and solutions are at stated concentrations and within date; prepare media.
• Coordinate shoe and hand hygiene testing with QA Lab Supervisor.
• Prepare samples for shipment to external laboratories and notify when sent.
• Support QA Line Technician and act as backup when needed; perform other tasks.
• Complete monthly lab cleaning schedule and follow SOPs.

Skills

Microbiological testing

Lab skills

Attention to detail

Food safety procedures

Communication

Job description

Every product that leaves our bakery carries a promise of quality and safety. As our Quality Assurance Lab Technician, you will be the one who helps us keep that promise every day. If you have a passion for science and an appreciation for great baked goods, we invite you to join our team.

A Day in the Life of Our QA Lab Technician

• Morning rounds. You will begin by collecting environmental samples throughout the bakery in accordance with our testing plan, verifying that every surface meets our sanitation standards.
• From flour to finished product. You will sample, test, and analyze incoming critical raw materials, in-process samples, water, and finished baked goods using established testing guidelines and microbiological methods.
• Sharing the results. You will document findings accurately and communicate them promptly to the appropriate personnel, raising any quality concerns with management.
• Supporting the production floor. When questions come up on the line, you will help investigate and troubleshoot so our ovens keep running and our products stay right.
• Keeping the tools precise. You will clean, calibrate, and maintain lab and production testing and weighing equipment, complete performance checks, and keep calibration certificates current.
• Mixing up solutions. Much like our bakers measure every ingredient, you will verify that lab chemicals and solutions are at their stated concentrations and within date, and prepare solutions and media for the lab and production as needed.
• Championing hygiene. You will prepare and coordinate shoe and hand hygiene testing with the QA Lab Supervisor.
• Sending samples out. You will prepare samples for shipment to outside laboratories and notify the QA Lab Supervisor when they have been sent.
• Lending a hand. You will assist the QA Line Technician as needed, serve as their backup when required, and take on other tasks assigned by the QA Lab Supervisor.
• Ending on a clean note. You will complete the monthly lab cleaning schedule and follow all documented laboratory procedures.

What We Expect

• Microbiological testing skills and knowledge of testing methods
• General laboratory skills, including media preparation
• Strong hands-on technical abilities and close attention to detail
• Commitment to following documented procedures and food safety standards
• Clear, timely communication with supervisors, production, and management
• Flexibility to move between bench work, equipment care, and support on the line