QA/QC Lab Technician | 2nd Shift | Marshall, NC

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

FedUp Foods, one of the nation's early producers of kombucha through the Buchi brand, and one of the largest functional beverage manufacturers in America, offers a diverse portfolio of organic private label functional beverages for top global retailers.

This role is responsible for making sure that our products meet a set of predetermined FSQA standards. Routine tasks include safety and quality checks, daily sampling, preparation of samples, executing a range of analytical testing, recording results, and reporting data to pertinent parties.

• Schedule: Tuesday - Friday; 4:00pm to 2:30am

• Flexibility: Schedule is subject to change to meet demands. Candidates must be open to schedule adjustments based on operational needs.

• Pay: Hourly rate will be base pay plus additional $1.00 for 2nd shift differential.

An ideal applicant will be highly skilled, consistently punctual and enjoy working with a variety of skilled individuals who share similar values and goals.

• Observe and monitor production operations and equipment to ensure conformance to specifications and make or order necessary process adjustments.
• Inspect, test, and sample materials or products for hazards, defects and deviations from specifications.
• Discuss inspection results with those responsible for products, and recommend necessary corrective actions.
• Accurately analyze work-in-progress and finished product samples and report any findings that are out of specification.
• Crash work-in-progress tanks when needed and notify relevant parties.
• Perform shelf-life, brite tank testing analysis on finished products.
• Perform lab instrument checks and calibrations as needed to ensure accurate results.
• Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment by following Work Instructions(WIs).
• Set up and participate in a daily tasting panel.
• Follow good laboratory, documentation, manufacturing, and safety practices.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Obtain and prepare samples from various points of the production process according to the testing schedule.
• Assist in maintaining lab sample and shelf life inventory and disposition of samples.
• Use Google Docs and Drive to record and interpret data and conduct trending analyses.
• Attend and participate in department and interdepartmental meetings.
• Maintain glassware in handling, cleaning, and sanitizing.
• Use and maintain materials and laboratory equipment including but not limited to: pH Meter and supplies (calibration buffers, cleaning and storage solutions), qPCR, thermocyclers, Density Meter // Alcolyzer, Centrifuges, Pipettors, Microscope, PFD/CarboQC, Refractometer, Titratable Acidity, Scales // Electronic Balances Thermometers and cleaning and sanitizing agents, and other hazardous laboratory chemicals.
• Is aware of relevant aspects of our Safe Quality Foods (SQF) certification, to include, but not limited to the following programs:
  • Management Commitment
  • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
  • Food Defense
  • Allergen Management
  • Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
  • Product Trace
  • Product Hold and Release
  • Recall Program
  • Crisis Management
  • Document Control and Records
• Other duties as assigned to support departmental and company initiatives.
• Willingness to support other Departments during downtime.

• Follow GMP policy when in the production facility and encourage your team to do the same.
• Understand our SQF policies relating to pest control, visitors, allergen management, and cleaning and sanitation.
• Demonstrate awareness of Management's Commitment to SQF and work towards Food Safety and Quality and help the company meet this commitment.
• If there is a problem that involves food quality and safety, report to the Quality Assurance Manager so that the CAPA (corrective action, preventative action) log may be filled out, the situation be investigated, and resolved with the goal of continuous improvement of food quality and safety.

• Strict attention to detail, quality, cleanliness, time management and organization.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Must be able to prioritize with minimal direction.
• This role requires independent decision-making.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Heightened awareness of safety precautions and hazards for self and others
• Positive and team oriented attitude
• Ability to put in overtime as needed

• High school diploma or GED required, bachelor degree in microbiology, chemistry, food science or related field preferred
• 2 years of experience in a laboratory is preferred
• 2 years of experience in food production preferred

• 30 minute unpaid Lunch break; Two 15 minute breaks Paid
• Work safely with chemicals with reasonable safety accommodations.
• Ability to bend, squat, crawl, kneel, push, pull, and walk on uneven surfaces regularly
• Able to stand, walk, climb, and lift up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Ability to work in loud, warm environments for extended periods of time.

Our Values

Agility • Collaboration • Communication • Lifelong Learning • Community • Gratitude

Our Benefits

• Health Insurance (80–90% of individual premium covered)
• Group Term Life Insurance (100% company-covered)
• Short-Term Disability (100% company-covered)
• Long-Term Disability (50% company-covered)
• Voluntary Dental, Vision, Life & Accident Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• 9 Paid Holidays, PTO & Sick Time

AKM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as directed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.