Quality Lab Technician - Food Manufacturing

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

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Referral bonus programs

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

FSA & HSA programs

Education Assistance Program

Paid time off & holidays

Premium pay on Sundays/holidays

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Lactalis USA is hiring a Quality Assurance Lab Technician based in Casa Grande, Arizona. You will perform timely evaluations of raw materials, in-process results, and finished products to ensure quality and safety in yogurt production.

Starting wage is $21.00 per hour with shift differentials for 2nd shift (02:00 PM - 10:30 PM), full-time benefits, and opportunities for growth within a global dairy leader.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED with 3–6 months related training/experience in a food manufacturing lab/QA.
• Experience in a clean environment, aseptic methods, and lab analysis (bacteriological culture).
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and analyze results.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to follow instructions accurately.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of food safety and quality per plant procedures.
• Collect, analyze, and evaluate samples from yogurt production using test equipment and methods.
• Approve or hold products based on specifications and knowledge.
• Monitor sanitation, startup, and performance of production equipment.
• Communicate results to operations daily and support audits (SQF, state agencies).
• Maintain calibrated test equipment and stay sanitary and organized.

Skills

Mathematical calculations

Communication

Follow instructions accurately

Team collaboration

Laboratory testing procedures

Aseptic methodologies

Education

High School diploma or GED

3–6 months related training/experience in a food manufacturing lab/QA

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

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, Président® 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.