Quality Assurance Lead Lab Sensory Technician

Job Overview

Work Schedule:  Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm.

The Quality Assurance Lab Sensory Technician Lead serves as a lead for the sensory and lab technicians and is responsible for the management and daily execution of the plant’s Sensory program, including training of sensory participants and coordinating the collection of product samples preparation for sensory tests by panelists. The Quality Assurance Lab Sensory Technician Lead is also responsible for maintaining and calibrating lab equipment including the Electronic NOSE (Neotronics Olfactory Sensing Equipment) sensory lab instrument. The Quality Assurance Lab Sensory Technician Lead may perform microbial testing, laboratory equipment calibrations, lab supply inventory and ordering, and provide QA Technician support as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages the execution of the plant’s Sensory program through the coordination of the collection of product samples in preparation for sensory tests performed by panelists and trains sensory participants to ensure adherence to company sensory requirements
• Coordinates sampling, plating, and analysis of microbial results according to company quality assurance requirements and supports the QA Lab Technician as needed
• Maintains sensory and microbial testing and equipment calibration records and results through data entry into Lab Data Management System (LDMS)
• Performs calibration and diagnostic maintenance of lab equipment, including the Electronic NOSE (Neotronics Olfactory Sensing Equipment) sensory instrument
• Manages the ordering and inventorying of laboratory supplies used for sensory and microbial testing and analysis
• Provides training to new associates and leads sensory and lab technicians by communicating tasks and giving instructions to ensure maximum quality and productivity

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Ability to follow work instructions and adhere to standard operating procedures
• Understanding of a laboratory environment and practices preferred
• Basic math, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Familiar with High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) Technology
• Basic microbial knowledge and aseptic techniques
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Excel experience preferred
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to lead peers and desire to take on greater levels of leadership responsibility in the future
• Ability to work in a fast-paced Food Manufacturing environment with seasonal temperatures, flexible shifts, and weekend and holiday work based on business needs unless specified otherwise by a CBA
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, walk manufacturing floor, climb stairs, and lift up to 25lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Knowledge acquired through up to 12 months of work experience

Preferred Qualifications

N/A

Work Environment

Noisy, wet, and extreme temperature environment