Quality Assurance Technician

Night Shift Lab Technician – Food Manufacturing Plant

Location: [Bridgeton, NJ]

Pay Rate: $23.00/hr $0.75/hr shift differential

Schedule:

• Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday (48 hours: 6:00 PM – 6:30 AM)
• Week 2: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday (36 hours: 6:00 PM – 6:30 AM)

Position Overview:

We are seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented Lab Technician to join our team on night shift. The ideal candidate will work both independently and collaboratively, ensuring product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role involves testing, monitoring, and recording data related to production processes, ensuring compliance with company, state, and federal standards.

The Lab Technician will be responsible for operating, calibrating, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, conducting microbiological, chemical, and allergenic testing, and supporting continuous improvement efforts. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality & Compliance:

• Perform chemical, microbiological, and allergen testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, SQF, HACCP, GMP, and other regulatory requirements.
• Accurately document test results, product specifications, and process deviations in compliance with company standards.
• Conduct root cause analysis for out-of-specification findings and work with production teams to implement corrective actions.
• Ensure the plant remains in audit-ready condition at all times.

Lab Operations & Equipment Management:

• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instruments (e.g., pH meters, balances, viscometers, CEM, FT120, antibiotic/allergen testing equipment).
• Oversee product coding checks, batch ownership, and filler inspections to maintain product integrity.
• Monitor and track inventory of lab supplies and reagents, ensuring availability for testing requirements.

Process Improvement & Team Collaboration:

• Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives to streamline lab processes and increase efficiency.
• Utilize data-driven insights to identify trends, mitigate risks, and improve testing accuracy.
• Support cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, and quality, to enhance overall plant performance.
• Assist in training and coaching new employees on quality and food safety protocols.

Data & Systems Management:

• Utilize SAP, SharePoint, and other digital tools for inventory tracking and quality documentation.
• Maintain accurate records using Sample6, IQS/Sigma, and Ignition systems.
• Generate and analyze quality reports to support plant decision-making.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office, data entry, and lab software).
• Willingness to work varied hours, overtime, and rotating schedules as needed.

Preferred:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• 2 years of experience in a quality assurance or laboratory role within a food manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of SAP, Optiva, and SharePoint for managing quality documentation.
• Experience with kosher, organic, and compliance-related testing.
• Familiarity with calibration programs for dairy testing equipment.

Why Join Us?

✔ Competitive Pay & Shift Differential

✔ Hands-On Training & Development Opportunities

✔ Work in a High-Impact, Fast-Paced Environment

✔ Collaborative Team Culture

✔ Opportunities for Career Growth in Food Manufacturing

If you are passionate about food safety, quality assurance, and laboratory excellence, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our dedicated team!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.75 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Food manufacturing: 2 years (Required)
• Lab: 2 years (Required)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $24