Quality Lab Technician: Dairy QA & Micro Testing

Ornua Co-operative Limited; Byron (MN); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Ornua Co-operative Limited in Byron, Minnesota is seeking a Quality Technician to support QA and Food Safety programs in a dairy-production setting. You will assist in regulatory compliance, report out-of-spec conditions, and work cross-functionally to ensure GMP adherence and product quality.

The role requires a High School diploma (degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or Chemistry preferred) and effective English communication.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or Chemistry degree preferred.
• GMP, HACCP, Sanitation and Production knowledge preferred.
• Prior manufacturing experience preferred.
• Must be able to communicate in English and have basic math skills.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. required.

Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate lab equipment.
• Check production line materials and labeling at start of each product run.
• Perform on-line testing (Fat, Moisture, pH) during production to ensure conformance.
• Report formula adjustments to Production staff.
• Perform finished product testing (Melt, Flavor, Color, Functionality and Microbiological testing).
• Generate reports on all finished products following testing.
• Conduct customer-specific testing (Sauce, Viscosity, Water Activity).
• Perform environmental swabbing on a weekly basis.
• Obtain cheese samples of incoming raw materials for analytical testing.
• Obtain and prepare hot product samples for pathogen testing.
• Demonstrate adherence to Safety and GMP practices.
• Flex schedule across shifts to provide coverage for vacations and absences.
• Completing COAs and other duties as assigned.

Skills

English communication

Math skills

Laboratory testing

Education

Food Science / Biology / Microbiology / Chemistry degree

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Ornua Co-operative Limited in Byron, Minnesota is seeking a Quality Technician to support QA and Food Safety programs in a dairy-production setting. You will assist in regulatory compliance, report out-of-spec conditions, and work cross-functionally to ensure GMP adherence and product quality.

The role requires a High School diploma (degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or Chemistry preferred) and effective English communication.