Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

Quality Assurance Laboratory TechnicianOn-Board Services is hiring a Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician in Arlington, TN.Position Type: 6 month contract with additional opportunity contingent upon performance and continued business needJob Location: Arlington, TNShift: 1st ShiftBenefits: 401K, Dental insurance, Life Insurance, Medical Insurance, Vision Insurance, PTOCompensation: $22/HRPosition Summary: The Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician performs microbiological, analytical, performance, and sensory evaluations using established laboratory methods and procedures. This role supports food safety and quality initiatives by ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, BRC Global Standards for Food Safety, regulatory requirements, quality standards, and internal procedures. The technician works closely with production teams to ensure products consistently meet safety and quality expectations.Essential ResponsibilitiesMonitor and audit products and manufacturing processes from receiving through shipping to ensure food safety and quality standards are met.Perform microbiological, analytical, performance, and sensory testing on raw materials, packaging, in-process materials, and finished products.Notify management of quality deviations and assist with investigations and corrective actions.Maintain laboratory databases and accurately document test results.Verify compliance with process controls, weight control, HACCP requirements, and finished product specifications through routine audits.Support development and maintenance of manufacturing work instructions, formulas, and product specifications.Assist in training production personnel on GMPs, product specifications, laboratory procedures, and processing requirements.Support new product introductions and process improvements by collecting samples, documenting process data, and assisting with commercialization activities.Initiate, document, and track product, process, ingredient, packaging, and equipment changes.Work closely with production teams to identify, investigate, and resolve product quality issues.Initiate product or ingredient holds when quality or food safety requirements are not met and ensure proper Hold and Release procedures are followed.Recommend improvements to manufacturing processes, sanitation practices, laboratory procedures, testing methods, and equipment.Maintain current knowledge of manufacturing technologies, quality systems, testing methods, and food safety requirements.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, quality meetings, and process improvement teams.Support all company safety policies and maintain a safe work environment.Perform other duties as assigned.Food Safety ResponsibilitiesFollow all GMP, food safety, food defense, sanitation, and quality policies.Ensure compliance with food hygiene and food safety standards.Report food safety incidents including contamination, GMP violations, foreign material concerns, equipment deficiencies, pest activity, and glass breakage.Review food safety and quality documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with document control procedures.Coach employees on food safety, food defense, quality requirements, and regulatory compliance.Assist with immediate and long-term corrective actions related to food safety or quality non-conformances.Maintain accurate, legible documentation.Maintain clean and organized laboratory and production work areas.Physical RequirementsLift up to 55 pounds (25 kg).Stand and walk for extended periods.Reach, bend, stoop, climb, push, pull, grasp, and balance throughout the workday.Work in both warm and refrigerated environments.Work around manufacturing equipment and moderate to high noise levels.Ability to communicate effectively with production personnel, vendors, and internal teams.Qualifications RequiredBachelor's degree in Biology, Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline preferred.Minimum of 3 years of experience in food, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing.Experience in dairy or non-dairy food manufacturing is highly preferred.Working knowledge of: GMPs, HACCP, BRC Global Standards, food safety and quality systems, regulatory compliance.Experience performing microbiological and analytical laboratory testing.Ability to analyze data, troubleshoot quality issues, and implement corrective actions.Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.Experience training or supporting manufacturing personnel.Basic understanding of statistical analysis.Technical SkillsMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Access (preferred)MiniTab (preferred)SAP (preferred)QAD (preferred)