Quality Assurance (QA) Lab Technician

Key Responsibilities

Quality, Testing & Production Support

· Perform analysis on incoming raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished products to ensure specifications are met.

· Conduct organoleptic evaluations (appearance, aroma, taste, carbonation, and overall quality).

· Monitor and record Brix, CO₂, and Nitrogen levels according to product and client specifications.

· Approve and release batches for raw materials, packaging materials, and finished products when compliant.

· Interact with Quality, Operations, and Maintenance teams to communicate testing results in a timely manner and resolve quality issues.

· Assist in plant trials and process validations as needed.

CCP & Food Safety Compliance

· Perform and document Critical Control Point (CCP) checks in accordance with HACCP and food safety plans.

· Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, GMPs, and internal quality standards.

· Comply with OSHA safety and health rules at all times.

· Identify non-conforming products and place raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and finished goods on hold per established procedures while notifying appropriate personnel.

Laboratory & Microbiological Analysis

· Conduct microbiological plating including:

o Aerobic Count (AC)

o E. coli / Coliforms (EC/CC)

o Yeast & Mold (Y/M)

· Perform serial dilutions using proper aseptic techniques.

· Read and interpret 3M Petrifilm plates using a 3M Petrifilm Reader.

· Collect and submit samples to third-party laboratories for microbiological and analytical testing.

· File, label, and maintain retain samples for traceability and quality records.

Sanitation, Environmental & Pre-Operational Verification

· Perform sanitation verification on equipment and production areas.

· Conduct environmental and sanitation swabbing to verify cleaning effectiveness.

· Perform Pre-Operational (Pre-Op) inspections prior to production startup.

· Verify sanitation chemical concentrations to ensure proper effectiveness.

· Conduct operational sanitation checks throughout production shifts.

Packaging & Material Inspection

· Inspect packing materials including cans, lids, labels, sleeves, and cases for compliance with specifications and client requirements.

· Verify lot codes, material integrity, and documentation accuracy.

Documentation, Audits & Systems

· Enter QA and laboratory data into SAP and internal tracking systems.

· Prepare Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for clients based on test results and specifications.

· Maintain accurate QA records, logs, and documentation for traceability and audits.

· Assist in internal and external audits (SQF, GMP, FDA, and customer audits).

· Maintain analytical testing equipment through routine monitoring, calibration, and verification.

· Prepare end-of-shift QA reports and communicate quality status to management.

Qualifications

Education:

· High School Diploma required

· Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related science field preferred

Experience:

· Experience in food or beverage manufacturing and laboratory testing preferred

· Knowledge of microbiological testing procedures and aseptic techniques

· Experience with beverage quality testing (Brix, TA, Alcohol, CO₂, Nitrogen) preferred

· Familiarity with SAP or similar data entry systems preferred

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Skills & Competencies

· Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

· Strong computer and data entry skills

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Strong organizational and time-management abilities

· Effective interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams

· Strong attention to detail, good judgment, and common sense in decision-making

· Ability to identify quality issues and take corrective action promptly

· Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing and laboratory environment

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Work Environment & Physical Requirements

· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a production environment

· Ability to lift up to 30–40 lbs when required

· Flexibility to work day shift, night shift, and off shifts as needed

· Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing floor environments

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Additional Responsibilities

· Maintain retain samples and quality records for traceability

· Support continuous improvement and quality initiatives

· Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety programs, and regulatory requirements (FDA, GMP, HACCP)

Pay: From $24.00 per hour

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person