Quality Technician - Chemist

Colgate; Tonganoxie (KS); On-site; USD 53,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

401(k) with Company Match

Tuition Assistance

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Hill's Pet Nutrition, part of Colgate-Palmolive, seeks a Quality Technician - Chemist at our Tonganoxie facility. You will own analytical testing from raw materials to finished products, supporting our high standards of pet nutrition.

The role starts on day shift for 2–3 months then transitions to a permanent shift. Salary range is $52,800–$72,000 USD with comprehensive benefits and opportunities in a globally connected organization.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry, Food Science or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Understands and is accountable for full compliance with safety and other EOHS requirements.
• Performs or assists vendors in installation and qualification of laboratory instruments.
• Analyzes ingredients and finished product for moisture, fat, protein, ash, and minerals per official laboratory methods.
• Performs routine peroxide value, free fatty acid, and mycotoxin testing.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and calibrations.
• Handles reagents and disposals per local laws and environmental regulations.
• Conducts internal and external audits of Quality Systems.
• Participates and executes corrective action planning and remediation.
• Prepares, organizes, and stores library samples.
• Adheres to HACCP, SOPs, and document control.
• Prepares samples for Third Party analysis
• Performs NIR testing and maintains calibrations.
• Maintains SAP processes and supports FDA, USDA audit requests.
• Identifies continuous improvement opportunities for Quality and Micro issues.
• Conducts training for plant personnel regarding Quality and Laboratory procedures.
• Measures, records, and reports plant KPI’s.
• Completes CAPA analysis on out of specification results.
• Orders lab supplies and maintains budget goals.
• Maintains SAP data flow and data retrieval for audits.

Skills

Schedule flexibility

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Technical communication

Education

BS in Chemistry / Food Science or related field

Job description

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Travel Required?: Travel - up to 10% of time

Posting Start Date: 9/15/26

On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#176031 - Tonganoxie, Kansas, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous— we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Quality Technician - Chemist (2nd or 3rd Shift)

Are you ready to influence the future of pet health by ensuring every product meets the highest nutritional standards? As a Quality Technician - Chemist at our highly automated Tonganoxie facility, you will own the analytical testing process from raw materials to finished products, driving the efficiency of our world-class quality systems. On this shift you will develop your technical expertise while directly impacting the production of nutritionally superior pet food. Join our team and envision yourself thriving in a cutting-edge environment where your work truly matters.

For the first 2 to 3 months, you will work the day shift to fully immerse yourself in our processes and laboratory standards. Following this initial training period, you will transition to your permanent shift schedule.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Understands and is accountable for full compliance with safety and other EOHS requirements.
• Performs or assists vendors in the installation and qualification phases of laboratory instruments.
• Analyzes ingredients and finished product for moisture, fat, protein, ash, and minerals paralleling compliance to official laboratory methods.
• Performs routine peroxide value, free fatty acid, and mycotoxin testing.
• Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment and equipment calibrations.
• Understands precautions in handling reagents and disposal of chemical waste according to local and environmental regulations.
• Conducts internal and external audits of Quality Systems.
• Participates and executes corrective action planning and remediation.
• Prepares, organizes, and stores library samples.
• Adheres to quality programs such as HACCP, SOPs, and document control.
• Prepare samples for Third Party analysis
• Ability to perform NIR testing according to SOP’s and maintain calibrations as required
• Maintains and troubleshoots quality systems, equipment and programs including metal detectors, scales, and check-weighs.
• Assists in SAP processes / transactions such as hold/release, product traceability and recall, and regulatory compliance.
• Identifies continuous improvement opportunities for Quality and Micro issues.
• Conducts training for plant personnel regarding Quality and Laboratory procedures.
• Measures, records, and reports plant KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators).
• Comply with Best Laboratory & Documentation Practices
• Able to conduct CAPA analysis on out of specification laboratory results
• Orders lab supplies and maintaining budget goals
• Maintains proficiency in SAP process flow and application. Able to quickly retrieve and understand data to support FDA, USDA, external and internal audit requests.
• Works any shift as needed, and troubleshoots quality issues over the phone during off hours.
• Understands bioterrorism initiatives and food safety and regulatory standards.
• Researches new methods and equipment through the participation in projects with other departments.
• Provides finished product data and analytical results of test products for the Pet Nutrition Center.
• Understands plant floor operations and equipment
• Other job duties and projects as assigned.
• Communicates with Operations and Management teams regarding routine matters in person, via phone and electronically.
• Shares information and communicates on routine issues with the Quality Team, PNC, and various Corporate groups in person, via phone and electronically.
• Develops relationships and shares knowledge with outside contractors and vendors by phone, via email, and in person.

Required Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry, Food Science or related fields.
• Ability to work any work schedule, including weekends.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ year’s experience in analytical laboratory in food, consumer product or pharmaceutical industry
• 5 or more years of experience in an analytical laboratory.
• Knowledge of quality systems.
• Computer skills including email, spreadsheet, presentation and database management.
• Good technical, communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Broad Supply Chain perspective.
• Knowledge of analytical method validation

What we offer

• Merit increase every year based on performance
• Great Culture & work environment at a climate controlled facility
• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for employee & eligible dependents - Start on Day 1
• Basic Life Insurance for you and eligible dependents at NO Cost
• 40 hours of PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Saving & Investment Plan with Company Match
• Tuition Assistance - up to $10,000 per year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to discounted Company products

The Company and our Hill's Tonganoxie Plant maintains a smoke- and tobacco-free facility. No smoking or other use of tobacco products (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes or vaping devices, pipes, cigars, snuff, or chewing tobacco) is permitted in any part of the building, facility or in vehicles owned, leased, or rented by the Company.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $52,800.00 - $72,000.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.