Milk Processing and Quality Assurance Specialist

Milk Processing and Quality Assurance Specialist

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Employment: Full-time, on-site

Pay: $65,000–$70,000 annually, depending on experience

Reports to: Facility Director

ABOUT LECHE

LECHE is a human milk processing company. Our facility handles customer-specific milk orders and commercial production using documented receiving, processing, freeze-drying, packaging, and testing procedures.

POSITION SUMMARY

This hands-on role combines customer milk processing, laboratory testing, and food safety work. The specialist manages each customer order from receiving through product packaging and final documentation, performs routine laboratory testing, and works with the Facility Director to build HACCP, GMP, and SOP programs. The amount of time spent in each area will change with the processing and production schedule.

The Food Production Technician handles routine warehouse fulfillment, shipping, and inventory stocking after finished orders are handed off.

CUSTOMER MILK PROCESSING

• Manage the day-to-day processing schedule and keep each customer order moving through its required steps.
• Receive, inspect, log, label, and store incoming customer milk. Check package condition, identification, and temperature or thaw status against acceptance criteria. Document and report exceptions before processing.
• Maintain required storage conditions and report freezer, refrigerator, or processing deviations affecting customer milk.
• Plan and complete milk preparation, freeze-drying, post-dry handling, product packaging, and final reconciliation according to approved procedures.
• Keep each customer’s milk and finished product identified, separated, and traceable throughout processing.
• Verify labels, weights, quantities, yields, and records before an order moves to the next step.
• Track active orders, identify delays, and communicate problems to the Facility Director promptly.
• Clean and sanitize processing equipment and work areas and complete the required records.
• Complete final documentation and hand finished orders to the Food Production Technician for fulfillment.

LABORATORY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

• Collect and prepare samples using approved sampling plans and methods.
• Perform routine microbiological, ATP, and milk composition testing, including Petrifilm testing when applicable.
• Perform PCR assays according to approved methods and document results.
• Record and review test results and promptly report unusual or out-of-specification findings.
• Coordinate samples sent to outside laboratories and maintain submission and result records.
• Review production, sanitation, and laboratory records for accuracy, completeness, and unusual trends.
• Document deviations, help investigate causes, track corrective actions, and verify completion.
• Support sanitation verification, environmental monitoring, traceability exercises, mock recalls, and calibration records.
• Conduct routine GMP and sanitation checks and follow up on incomplete actions.
• Place affected material on hold when product identity, traceability, or food safety may be compromised. Notify the Facility Director and maintain the hold until the Facility Director makes the disposition or release decision.

HACCP, GMP, AND SOP DEVELOPMENT

• Work with the Facility Director to build and implement LECHE’s HACCP and GMP programs.
• Help complete process flow diagrams, hazard analyses, monitoring and verification procedures, corrective-action procedures, and supporting forms.
• Draft and revise SOPs, work instructions, checklists, logs, and training materials.
• Manage assigned program sections through drafting, review, implementation, training, and routine follow-up.
• Maintain document revisions, training records, and due dates for assigned programs.
• Identify missing procedures or records and recommend practical solutions.
• Support preparation for customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.

INITIAL PRIORITIES

• Learn LECHE’s customer milk processing, sanitation, and laboratory workflows and take responsibility for the processing schedule and tracking system.
• Organize active orders so their location, processing status, yield, documentation status, and next step are clear.
• Work with the Facility Director to prioritize and complete assigned HACCP, GMP, and SOP documents.
• Keep assigned testing, record reviews, and corrective actions on schedule.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, biology, chemistry, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least two years of experience in food manufacturing quality assurance, food safety, laboratory testing, or a closely related area.
• Hands-on experience with PCR-based testing and accurate documentation of assay results.
• Working knowledge of HACCP and GMP principles and the ability to turn requirements into clear procedures and usable records.
• Strong attention to detail, accurate recordkeeping, and the ability to organize several open tasks.
• Ability to write clear SOPs and communicate concerns directly and professionally.
• Ability to plan a multi-step processing schedule while keeping customer-specific materials separated and traceable.
• Sound judgment and the confidence to raise a concern when a process, record, or result does not look right.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• HACCP training or certification and Preventive Controls Qualified Individual training.
• Experience with Petrifilm, ATP testing, environmental monitoring, sanitation verification, or laboratory data trending.
• Experience with dairy, human milk, freeze-dried products, or other sensitive food products.
• Experience managing customer-specific orders, investigating deviations, training employees, or preparing for audits.

PHYSICAL AND WORK REQUIREMENTS

• Work on site and spend extended periods standing or moving through laboratory, processing, and storage areas.
• Lift and move up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work around refrigerated or frozen materials and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Adjust the daily schedule when processing, testing, or time-sensitive facility needs require coverage.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

• LECHE is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to legally protected characteristics.