Quality Assurance Lab Technician - Days

Heartland Coca-Cola; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 30,307 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to help ensure safety, integrity and consistency of products. You will conduct tests on raw, in‑process, and finished goods following SOPs and regulatory standards.

The role requires basic lab skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work with cross‑functional teams in a manufacturing setting. A high school diploma or GED is preferred, with at least one year of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of one year of work experience required.
• Experience in production/manufacturing or as a lab technician preferred.
• Strong reading, writing and spoken English skills.
• Able to work well in a team and maintain interdepartmental relations.
• Willing to take instruction and adapt to a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Uphold safety, GMP, and compliance; maintain sanitation and hygiene per GMPs and SOPs.
• Monitor ISO/GFSI, FDA FSMA, and food safety programs; stop production if out of spec.
• Perform qualitative/quantitative tests on raw, in‑process, finished products.
• Document results in electronic logs and report variances to management.
• Standardize equipment calibration; troubleshoot quality systems and processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime and improve quality.

Skills

Analytical skills

English literacy

Team player

Computer skills

Flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Quality systems

Forklift operation

Job description

Join the team at Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company!

Regular Hours: 5:00am - 5:30pm - 12 Hour Rotating Schedule

Orientation and first week schedule: Tuesday (Orientation) - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

Job Summary

At Heartland Coca‑Cola Bottling Company, quality is at the heart of everything we do. As a Quality Assurance Technician, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring the safety, integrity, and consistency of products enjoyed by millions of consumers every day.

The QA Tech conducts various checks and tests of raw, in-process, and finished products and/or processes to verify production of high-quality product, to successfully meet the demands of our customers. This role follows regulatory requirements while adhering to standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and internal policies to ensure compliance of quality & food safety standards as established by the QA department.

Job Responsibilities

• Safety, GMP, and Compliance Uphold all safety practices to prevent injury; identify and report safety hazards. Maintain plant sanitation, housekeeping, and personal hygiene in accordance with GMPs, FDA CFR Title 21 Part 117, and company policies. Follow all required work instructions related to Quality, Environmental, Safety, and Food Safety.
• Food Safety & Regulatory Oversight Understand, monitor, and support compliance with ISO/GFSI standards, FDA FSMA requirements, and company Food Safety and Quality programs. Exercise authority to stop production when product is out of specification or when a food safety or compliance risk is identified.
• Quality Testing & Analysis Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of incoming, in‑process, and finished products using standardized procedures, including sensory evaluation, pH, titratable acidity, Brix, CO₂, density, TDS, and microbiological sampling and testing.
• Quality Audits, Sampling & Documentation Conduct standardized quality sampling, package inspections, and production audits. Accurately document results in electronic logbooks and databases and promptly report variances or non‑conformities to plant management. Isolate and manage non‑conforming product.
• Laboratory & Equipment Management Standardize, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment; troubleshoot quality systems, equipment, and processes to ensure reliable and accurate results.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Support production through effective time management to minimize downtime and ensure the consistent production of high‑quality finished goods. Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, food safety, environmental, and plant safety programs. Continuously develop technical and professional skills to support a world‑class manufacturing environment.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of one year of work experience required.
• Prior experience in production and/or manufacturing or as a lab technician preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in a positive and engaged team atmosphere.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Familiarity with lab safety and handling of hazardous materials. Must be able to read, write, and speak English to properly understand and relay important safety and quality information.
• Capable of working well with others and maintaining excellent interdepartmental relationships.
• Readily accepts instruction from management and supervisors and executes effectively.
• Must be able to take initiative and work independently at times.
• Needs to be reliable and open to a flexible schedule.
• Strong computer comprehension capabilities, including Word, Excel, and various quality system applications.
• Prior experience using a forklift and order picker preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Acute Vision: Constantly (observing both near and far, reading documents)
• Speaking: Constantly (investigates, negotiates, recommends, reports, etc.)
• Typing/texting: Frequently using a keyboard/phone for day‑to‑day business (email, reports)
• Mobility: Occasional travel throughout the plant and office environment.
• Lifting: Occasionally lift 15 pounds or less (laptop, tablet, handheld devices)

Pay: $24.00 an hour

About Heartland Coca-Cola

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company produces, sells, and distributes the highest quality and best tasting Coca-Cola and Monster Beverages across the states of Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Our brand offerings provide multiple beverage options in non-alcoholic categories including sparkling soft drinks, water, ingredient enhanced, isotonics, tea, energy, juice, coffee and nutrition. We value our people, customers and community which drives our passion to work and win together as a team.

Benefits And Other Information

• We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, wellness programs and tuition reimbursement.
• Part-time employees are eligible for paid time off, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement.

Pre-employment background check is required.

Heartland Coca-Cola is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and any other class protected by law. Veteran friendly.

Requisition ID: 260594

Company: Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC