Technician III - QC (OFF SHIFT)

Kalsec; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food industry is seeking a Quality Control Technician to conduct analytical testing of raw materials and finished goods. The role involves maintaining laboratory standards, performing troubleshooting, and participating in method improvements. Candidates should have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline and relevant experience in a laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with lab automation systems and sample management systems.
• Lean manufacturing/Six Sigma certification desired.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analytical testing of raw spices and finished goods.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and logs according to GMPs.
• Perform troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.

Skills

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Data Entry

Prioritization

Education

Associates Degree in a scientific discipline

Bachelors Degree in a scientific discipline

Tools

GC

HPLC

UPLC

MS

Waters Empower

Agilent OpenLab CDS

Job description

Job Summary:

Work with manufacturing, customer service, purchasing and research and development departments to conduct analytical testing of raw spices, extracts, raw materials and finished goods and compare them to standard samples and/or product specifications. Duties also include lab, method and instrumentation upkeep and maintenance.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain a clean and orderly laboratory, lab equipment and adequate stocks of reagents.
• Maintain logs and records in QC according to GMPs.

• Interpret scientific data and understand the impact of the results on the business with minimal assistance from the Supervisor or other technicians.
• Perform problem solving, troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Participate in method improvement and innovative projects with mentorship.
• Perform calculations, troubleshoot analytical results and perform investigations of non-conformances.
• Confirm unusual lab results and bring to the attention of the QC lab supervisor and/or QC lab coordinator.
• Complete training when new methods are introduced.
• Gain new knowledge and skills through external training and translate learning into improved job performance.
• Perform calibration and/or verification of laboratory equipment.
• Comply with all safety standards. Proactively identify and mitigate safety risks.

• Participate in training and studies designed to:

• Improve or maintain assay accuracy.
• Implement the use of new equipment or new procedures.
• Internal and third party inter- and intra-lab collaborative studies.
• Engage in problem solving activities.

Education/Experience/Skills:

Required:

• Education: Associates Degree in a scientific discipline, 1-2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Formal education includes one or more of the following: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, instrumentation, mathematics and statistics, physics, biology, food nutrition and science, and/or other science disciplines.
• Perform data entry, navigate computer software.
• Ability to problem solve independently.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Must be willing to work the Off-shift (2nd or 3rd shift)

Desired:

• Education: Bachelors Degree in a scientific discipline, 1-2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior QC/analytical laboratory experience.
• Lean manufacturing/Six Sigma certification.
• Prior experience with working across functions in an organization.
• Prior experience in food, beverage, nutritional industries.
• Analytical experience in GC/HPLC/UPLC/MS.
• Experience with lab automation systems and sample management systems such as lab electronic notebooks, lab information systems and chromatography data systems.
• Experience with Waters Empower and/or Agilent OpenLab CDS.

Equipment Operation: Ability to operate food processing and analytical equipment.

Physical Demands:

• Work with liquids, dry powders, solvents and reagents in a chemistry lab environment.
• Use of personal protective equipment while working with potential irritants
• Lab bench work will involve basic motions of bending, leaning, lifting, twisting and turning with the need to lift 4 oz to 10 lbs on a frequent basis and up to 50 lbs on an infrequent basis.
• Lab work will involve standing and walking 4-8 hours/day.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.