Quality Control Technician

CareersInFood.com; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Health insurance

401-K retirement plan

Life insurance

Uniform program

Job summary

I. Rice & Co., a Philadelphia-based food manufacturer, seeks a Quality Control Lab Technician to support laboratory operations, QA, and production processes in a fast-paced setting.

You will perform analyses on raw materials, in-process and finished goods, calibrate instruments, maintain records, and help ensure GMPs, HACCP, SQF, and FDA compliance.

This role offers weekly pay, health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for growth within a family-owned company.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent mathematical and analytical abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory analyses on raw materials, work-in-process, and finished products.
• Conduct analytical testing including, but not limited to: Brix (soluble solids), pH, titratable acidity, viscosity, specific gravity, product sensory.
• Collect and evaluate production samples according to established sampling plans.
• Perform environmental monitoring and sanitation verification testing.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, standards, and testing solutions.
• Record test results accurately in laboratory databases and quality management systems.
• Assist in product evaluations, shelf-life studies, and validation activities.
• Verify compliance with GMPs, HACCP, SQF, FDA, customer specifications, and internal quality standards.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and root cause investigations.
• Perform additional quality-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical abilities

Written & verbal communication

Microsoft Office

Task prioritization

Independent & team work

Documentation

Safety compliance

Education

Associate degree in Food Science

Tools

GMPs knowledge

HACCP knowledge

SQF knowledge

FDA regulations knowledge

Job description

An independent, family-owned business in Philadelphia, I. Rice & Co. has been making quality food products and flavors since 1884. With considerable growth and expansion, we are looking for qualified employees to help in a variety of positions. As a food manufacturing plant, I. Rice & Co. offers a diverse range of employment opportunities, from production coordination to warehouse stocking and inventory organization. With a passionate community, competitive pay, and generous bonus incentives, I. Rice offers ample opportunity for personal and professional growth.

QUALITY CONTROL LAB TECHNICIAN

The Quality Control Lab Technician supports laboratory operations, product quality assurance, and production processes. This hands-on position is responsible for performing laboratory testing on raw materials, in-process products, finished goods, and environmental samples to ensure compliance with food safety, quality, customer, and regulatory standards. The role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, adaptable, and interested in supporting quality assurance processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Job and Duties

• Perform routine laboratory analyses on raw materials, work-in-process, and finished products.
• Conduct analytical testing including, but not limited to:
  • Brix (soluble solids)
  • pH
  • Titratable acidity
  • Viscosity
  • Specific gravity
  • Product Sensory
• Collect and evaluate production samples according to established sampling plans.
• Perform environmental monitoring and sanitation verification testing.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, standards, and testing solutions.
• Record test results accurately in laboratory databases and quality management systems.
• Assist in product evaluations, shelf-life studies, and validation activities.
• Verify compliance with GMPs, HACCP, SQF, FDA, customer specifications, and internal quality standards.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and root cause investigations.
• Perform additional quality-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of laboratory experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.
• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, SQF, and FDA regulations preferred.
• Associate degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent mathematical and analytical abilities.
• Ability to interpret product specifications and testing procedures.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Combination of laboratory and production floor settings
• May require standing for extended periods and lifting materials 50 lbs.
• Adherence to safety, quality, and sanitation standards is essential

Benefits and Compensation

• Weekly pay with direct deposit
• Health insurance
• Various supplemental insurance policies available after 90-day introductory period
• Life insurance available after completion of 90-day introductory period
• 401-K retirement plan available after one year of employment
• Option to participate in uniform program

I. Rice is an equal opportunity employer and derives our staff skills through a diverse and talented workforce. This person will work closely with all departments and persons in our facility and must conduct themselves professionally at all times.