Quality Lab Technician - Food Manufacturing

Lactalis USA; Casa Grande (AZ); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Referral bonuses

Medical, dental, vision

FSA & HSA

Education Assistance

Paid time off

Premium pay overtime

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Lactalis USA is seeking a Quality Assurance Lab Technician for its Casa Grande, Arizona facility. The role involves performing timely evaluations of raw materials and products to ensure adherence to quality specifications for yogurt production.

You will collect samples, run tests, and help maintain a sanitary, compliant lab environment. The ideal candidate has a High School diploma or GED with 3–6 months of related QA lab experience, comfort with SAP/Excel/Word, and the ability to lift up to 25

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED plus 3–6 months of related training/experience in a food manufacturing lab/QA team.
• Experience working in a clean environment, using aseptic methodologies and performing laboratory analyses.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of food safety and quality per plant procedures.
• Collect, analyze, and evaluate samples from yogurt production and approve for use in production or distribution.
• Monitor production equipment sanitation, start-up, and performance using control tests.
• Communicate results to operations daily and maintain calibration of test equipment.
• Prepare documentation for internal auditing, SQF auditing, and state agencies.
• Maintain a sanitary, well-stocked area and assist with other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Laboratory testing procedures

Communication

Education

High School diploma, GED

3 to 6 months related training in food manufacturing QA

Tools

Word

Excel

SAP

Job description

Looking for a job that can grow into a lifelong career?

At Lactalis USA, we believe in promoting from within and giving our employees meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, we'll provide the tools and support you need to succeed.
Lactalis is the world leader in dairy-a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Every day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together every day.
In the US, we offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with sour cream and a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.
At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We're building a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.
Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us make an impact. From your PASSION to ours Lactalis US Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Quality Assurance Lab Technician based in Casa Grande, Arizona.
The Quality Lab Technician performs timely and accurate evaluations and analysis of raw materials, products, processes, and facilities that support the efficient manufacturing and shipment of quality products according to the specifications at our manufacturing facility.
The Quality Lab Technician starts at $21.00 / hour, plus shift differentials. This is a full-time opportunity available on 2nd Shift (02:00 PM - 10:30 PM) Friday through Tuesday.

• 401K match up to 7% annually.
• Referral bonus programs ($750-1500)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision
• FSA & HSA programs
• Education Assistance Program
• Paid time off includes 7 core holidays, 2 floating holidays, 2 volunteer days, and prorated vacation time up to 15 days
• Premium pay (overtime) when working on Sundays and core holidays
• And much more

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Responsible for all aspects of food safety and quality as defined by plant and department procedures.
• Collect, analyze, and evaluate samples from each step of yogurt production and approve for use in production or distribution using various test equipment, test procedures, and methodology.
• Hold product based on specifications and product knowledge.
• Monitor and approve production equipment sanitation, start-up, and performance using control devices and tests.
• Monitor the environment of the plant using various test equipment and procedures and communicate results to operations team on a regular basis, to include, but not limited to air sampling, swabbing equipment and drains.
• Perform audits on Good Manufacturing Practices in all areas of the plant.
• Prepare paperwork for use in reporting results to internal auditing, SQF auditing, and State Agencies.
• Maintain and calibrate test equipment using control devices and tests.
• Communicates with operations employees regarding issues, results, and status of evaluations daily.
• Utilize the Scientific Investigation Method through the course of daily work.
• Maintain a sanitary and well-stocked area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education & Experience

• High School diploma, GED, and 3 to 6 months of related training and/or experience in a food manufacturing laboratory/quality assurance team.
• Experience working in a "clean" environment, utilizing aseptic methodologies, and performing bacteriological culture and laboratory analysis.

Skills / Abilities / Knowledge

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and analysis.
• Ability to understand and follow company policies, standards, and specifications.
• Ability to understand, operate, and interpret results derived through typical laboratory testing procedures.
• Communicate effectively and accurately, both verbally and in writing.
• Take directions and follow instructions accurately.
• Work well with peers and supervisors across various teams.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, and SAP.
• Must be able to routinely lift up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to work in a variable temperature environment.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to stoop and reach on a regular basis, along with climbing and balancing.
• Routine exposure to mechanical machinery.
• Must be comfortable working in a multi-task, deadline, and consumer-driven environment.
• Close vision is required.

The above job description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all the duties.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement.

Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.