Quality Technician I - 1st Shift

Synergy Flavors Innova, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergy Flavors in Chicago, part of the Carbery Group, is seeking a Laboratory/QA Technician to test incoming materials, intermediates and finished products with emphasis on quality compliance and accurate reporting.

You will conduct sensory evaluations and instrumental tests (pH, Brix, GC, titration), prepare COAs, calibrate equipment, and ensure records meet SOPs, contributing to a safe, efficient lab workflow.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level science in a related field or 2–4 yrs lab flavor industry exp with HS diploma.
• Experience with QC instruments and quality systems is preferred.
• Ability to analyze data and report findings clearly.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).
• Strong time management and attention to detail; reliable in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily testing of all raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Ensure testing adheres to SOPs and specifications.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and instrumental analyses (pH, Brix, turbidity, GC, titrations, etc.).
• Maintain records and generate Certificates of Analysis.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment and manage sample organization.
• Maintain a clean, safe lab environment and work independently when needed.

Skills

HACCP/GFSI experience

QC instruments

Data analysis

MS Office

Time management

Physical stamina

Education

BS in Chemistry/Biology/Microbiology/Food Science or related; or HS diploma + 2–4 yrs lab flavor exp

Tools

pH meters

Refractometer

Densitometer

Colorimeter

GC

Auto titrators

Job description

Company Overview

Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry—we’re a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods. We believe great flavor starts with great people. That’s why we’re committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences.

Your Role in Synergy's Success

This person will be responsible for testing incoming raw materials, intermediate products, and finished product samples. How You Will Contribute

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform daily testing of all raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Ensure that the products are tested in accordance with established SOPs and within specifications.
• This testing may include: sensory evaluations, RFI, brix, pH, turbidity, GC, particle size analysis, density, manual titration, and other testing as assigned.
• Responsible for assuring product conformance to specifications.
• Analyze data and generate reports/Certificates of Analysis noting relevant specification information.
• Acquire microbial samples while maintaining a sterile/ clean environment throughout the process.
• Responsible for sampling of incoming raw materials for analysis.
• Responsible for calibrating laboratory equipment.
• Ensure laboratory and production records are in compliance.
• Prepare samples for contract testing.
• Responsible for the organization and storage of Raw Material and Finished Product retains/controls and records.
• Maintaining a safe, neat, and clean environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
• Discern sensory/organoleptic differences between tested raw materials, intermediates, and finished products for flavors and flavor chemicals.

Professional Experience/Qualifications

• Experience/certificates in HACCP, FSP, ISO 22000, SQF, BRC, or equivalent Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) criteria preferred.
• Experience with QC related instruments such as pH meters, refractometer, densitometer, colorimeter, GC, and auto titrators preferred.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting information/data preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products. (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Must demonstrate effective time management and attention to detail in work performed.
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs

Education

Bachelor of Science in a related field Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Food Science/Technology and/or Business related; and 0-2 years of experience or Highschool Diploma with 2-4 years of Laboratory/Flavor industry experience.

Starting Hourly Rate

Starting Hourly Rate : $20.00/HR Monday - Friday 7am - 3:30pm The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled.

Our Commitment to our People

We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We are committed to driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets. Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment. Across our global organisation, we employ 1000 people in 8 countries – and we are growing. From production specialists to R&D experts, finance, quality, digital, marketing, sales and so much more, see what opportunities await you with Carbery and Synergy.

Our Work Experience

Our Work Experience is the combination of everything that's unique about us: our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to sustainability, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it's our people. Our employees are self-disciplined, hard working, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful. They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference, and they make us the #1 Top Workplace in the area.