Quality Technician I - 1st shift

carbery; Wauconda (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is seeking a quality-focused laboratory professional in Wauconda, IL. You will perform daily testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, calibrate equipment, sample materials, and ensure adherence to SOPs and specifications.

Responsibilities include data analysis, COA generation, and maintaining audit-ready records. The role requires attention to detail, independence, and the ability to work onsite in a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• BSc in Chemistry/Biology/Microbiology/Food Science/Technology or related field; 0–2+ years lab or flavor industry experience (or post-secondary equivalent).
• Experience with HACCP, FSP, ISO 22000, SQF, BRC or equivalent GFSI criteria preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Perform daily testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products per SOPs and specifications.
• Tests may include sensory evaluations, pH, brix, turbidity, GC, particle size, density, titration, and other tests.
• Ensure product conformance to specifications.
• Analyze data and prepare reports/Certificates of Analysis.
• Acquire microbial samples in a sterile environment.
• Sample incoming materials for analysis.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Maintain lab and production records for audit readiness.
• Prepare samples for contract testing.
• Organize and store raw material and finished product retains/records.
• Maintain a safe, neat, and clean environment.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Discern sensory differences between materials.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Professional appearance

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Biology/Microbiology/Food Science or related; or Business-related

High school diploma with 2–4+ years laboratory/flavor industry experience

Tools

pH meters

Refractometer

Densitometer

Colorimeter

GC

Auto-titrators

Microsoft Office

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 leading a primary program, conducting training, and initiating quality investigations, in addition to calibrating laboratory equipment, microbial/ raw material sampling, and testing of incoming raw materials, intermediates, 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.
• Maintain a safe, neat, and clean environment to ensure audit readiness.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and with minimal 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 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.

Key Proficiencies

• Exhibit professional appearance and demeanor in day-to-day activities and communications.
• Demonstrate effective time management and attention to detail in work performed.

Starting Hourly Rate : $20.00/HR

Monday - Friday 7:30a-4p

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.

Department: Quality

Location: Wauconda, Illinois

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Reporting To: Quality Supervisor

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.