Lab Technician - 3rd shift Job at KRIER FOODS LLC in Random Lake

Description:

About Us:
At Krier Foods, we're not just crafting beverages; we’re creating liquid masterpieces that delight taste buds and bring people together. As a Lab Technician, you’ll be at the heart of our beverage innovation, ensuring every can is a testament to our commitment to quality, consistency, and flavor. If you're a science lover, a flavor enthusiast, and a quality advocate, this is your stage to shine. this position is on 3rd shift from 10pm-6:30 am Monday thru Friday.

Your Role:

• Quality Crusader: Be the guardian of taste, texture, and safety. You’ll perform a range of testing, to include microbiological, and sensory tests to guarantee that every product not only meets but exceeds our high standards.
• Innovator at Work: Partner with our R&D team to test new recipes, tweak formulas, and fine-tune flavors. You’ll help push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of beverages, from the first sip to the last drop.
• Master of the Lab: Get hands-on with cutting-edge laboratory equipment to perform precision testing. Your keen eye for detail ensures our drinks are safe, fresh, and exactly as they should be.
• Data Guru: Collect and analyze data like a pro. You’ll translate test results into actionable insights, driving continuous improvements in product quality and production processes. Your work is crucial to making sure our products always meet customer expectations.
• Problem-Solving Pro: When quality issues arise (and they sometimes will), you’re the go-to expert for troubleshooting. Whether it’s a batch inconsistency or an unexpected test result, you'll work with our production team to swiftly solve the issue and keep things moving.
• Safety & Standards Enforcer: Keep the lab running smoothly and safely. Ensure all testing, documentation, and equipment meet our rigorous health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Operate within safety and quality standards, good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) and adherence to job specifications.
• Responsible for reading, comprehending the job standards, meeting the quality standards and specifications for products (ie: coding, carbonation (if required), pressures, air, pH, brix, Caffeine (if required), acid, weights, temperatures, time and temperature, etc.)
• Monitor the operation of the production line to ensure that final product is to all specifications and without defects (daily line checks and sample collection).
• Segregate and place out of specification product on HOLD.
• Complete sensory testing (including flavor, visual and odor comparison) to match a referenced standard.
• Communicate effectively with production personnel in regard to line checks, adjustment requirements for meeting specifications, coding verification, etc.
• Operate, maintain and calibrate lab instrumentation/equipment.
• Follow all customer standards/specifications, quality requirements and Federal, State and Local regulations.
• Assist in maintaining housekeeping responsibilities within the lab and maintain work areas.
• Complete required documentation accurately and completely as required for the product being produced.
• Ability to verify and analyze batch attributes (includes analytical and taste/odor comparison) fill out batch paperwork and approve batches to the production line.
• Excellent prioritization skills and ability to demonstrate a high attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision
• Willingness to continuously improve performance and job knowledge
• Must have a good eye for visual inspection purposes and a strong attention to detail as it relates to product quality
• Excellent attendance and performance record
• Proactive team player, dependable and detail-oriented
• Ability to demonstrate a high sense of urgency and be proactive in addressing problems as they arise.
• Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, cultivating a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration and teamwork.
• Must be highly motivated with high expectations
• Other duties of checking in HFCS/Sucrose/Concentrate tankers, water checks, micros, etc. as required/scheduled.
• Maintain sample libraries (organized and clean) per company requirements.
• Other duties or responsibilities as assigned by management.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required or an Associate’s degree in chemistry or a related field is preferred.
• Previous laboratory or quality control experience is required; with the Food and Beverage industry preferred.
• A basic knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and policies is necessary to ensure a safe working environment.
• Required to fully comply with Quality Management System Policies and Procedures and Food Safety Management requirements.
• Must be able to work overtime as needed.
• Must be able to effectively communicate, read and comprehend instructions and procedures in English.
• Ability to demonstrate strong analytical skills with a high attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize workload and accommodate shift in daily priorities based on the needs of the business.
• Ability to demonstrate a high sense of urgency and be proactive in addressing problems as they arise.
• Ability to calculate and understand basic math and simple formulas including but not limited to: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, averages, production rates and recirculation rates.
• Proficiency in basic computer data entry and document retrieval.
• Must attain Food Safety Training (Qualified Individual)

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to perform physical requirements of the job (prolonged physical exertions, including standing, sitting, reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and climbing), perform repetitive motions for extended period of time (up to 2-3 hours) and be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects; using measurement devices at distances close to the eyes.
• Ability to work in various conditions with exposure to extreme heat, cold, dust and fumes.
• Physical dexterity is required to measure, pipette and transfer samples into plates and tubes.

Benefits:

• Low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance available on day 1
• Matching 401k plan up to 6%
• Paid vacation starts after 90 days
• Paid Birthday
• Paid holidays no waiting period

Perks:

• Continuing Education
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short Term Disability
• Financial wellness/401K counseling
• $25,000 Term life insurance
• Jolly Good Soda discounts