Lab Technician

Quality Assurance Technician

The Quality Assurance Technician tests product samples from each batch according to established laboratory procedures, verifies that all products meet quality standards, and accurately documents all results. This role supports safe, consistent, and compliant food manufacturing by performing a variety of laboratory tests, issuing holds on nonconforming product, and maintaining detailed records for future reference.

Responsibilities

• Test samples from each batch of product mixed in accordance with the testing procedures manual to ensure every batch conforms to established standards.
• Perform a variety of laboratory tests to verify product quality, safety, and consistency.
• Issue defect slips and place any product that does not fall within accepted limits on hold until disposition is determined.
• Rotate retained samples on a regular schedule to ensure proper sample management and traceability.
• Record all checks, tests, and results accurately and file documentation for future reference and audits.
• Use QAD or similar systems to print work orders for products to be mixed and ensure correct information is provided for production.
• Check scales for accuracy and proper function to support precise measurements in production and testing.
• Check every batch of product produced to verify compliance with quality and food safety standards.
• Check pre-shipment samples to confirm that finished goods meet required specifications before release.
• Determine appropriate levels of rework and select which sugar washes to use in batches based on quality data and established guidelines.
• Adhere to all safety rules and regulations while working in the manufacturing and laboratory environment.
• Demonstrate regular, reliable attendance and dependability to support continuous operations.
• Exercise ordinary care to prevent material losses, product damage, and quality issues.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety procedures, including HACCP-related activities as required.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of quality experience in a food manufacturing setting.
• Hands-on experience with quality assurance in a production or laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with HACCP principles and food safety requirements.
• Experience with laboratory testing, including sampling, measurement, and documentation.
• Ability to review and verify batch information and records for accuracy and completeness.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, recording data, and issuing defect slips.
• Ability to follow written testing procedures and standard operating procedures consistently.
• Basic computer skills to use systems such as QAD or similar software for work orders and recordkeeping.
• Dependable attendance and reliability in a fast-paced production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred Bachelors degree in a related scientific field.
• Experience working with food safety programs and documentation.
• Understanding of food allergens and their impact on production and quality control.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small, tight-knit QA team.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with production and other departments.
• Organizational skills to manage retained samples, records, and multiple tests efficiently.
• Commitment to integrity, product quality, and long-term employee retention culture.

Work Environment

This position works on the QA team during third shift, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, with the work week ending on Friday morning. The role is based in a normal food manufacturing environment with potential exposure to dust, equipment movement hazards, and chemicals or solvents if safety procedures are not followed. The work may involve temperature extremes, damp conditions, and a significant work pace and pressure, as well as navigating obstacles and steps in the facility. Proper personal protective equipment is required at all times, and there is potential exposure to electrical shock if safety guidelines are not observed. The facility handles common food allergens, including soy, dairy, egg, tree nuts, and wheat. The team operates in a smaller, tight-knit environment that values integrity, rapid company growth, and strong employee retention. Tobacco use, including smoking, vaping, and chewing, is prohibited due to the nature of organoleptic testing performed in this environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.32 - $23.32/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines, IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.