Quality Control Lab Specialist (Food/Beverage Manufacturing)

Position Overview:

The Quality Control (QC) Laboratory Specialist plays an active, hands-on role in ensuring food safety, regulatory compliance, and product integrity by conducting routine quality testing on incoming materials and finished products. This role supports the company’s quality and food safety frameworks while helping maintain consistent performance across functional ingredient and blend applications.

The successful candidate will have prior exposure to functional ingredient systems—such as premixes, stabilizers, or hydrocolloids—within a food or beverage manufacturing setting, along with a working knowledge of laboratory analysis and food safety standards.

Operating within established protocols, test methods, and product specifications, this position is responsible for material sampling, analytical testing, results documentation, and coordination with external testing laboratories. The individual also acts as the secondary designee to the lead SQF Practitioner, assisting with the upkeep and execution of SQF, HACCP, and related food safety programs.

This role is individually focused and execution-driven, with no direct reports or customer-facing formulation responsibilities. Its primary emphasis is the accurate and consistent application of quality and food safety practices that support manufacturing operations and compliance objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collect and evaluate samples of raw ingredients and finished products in accordance with approved test methods, specifications, and standard operating procedures.
• Perform laboratory analyses such as viscosity measurement, particle size or mesh evaluation, gel strength assessment, moisture determination, pH testing, and other performance-related evaluations (training provided as needed).
• Apply practical knowledge of functional ingredient blends and stabilizer systems commonly used in food and beverage formulations.
• Manage coordination with approved third-party laboratories for microbiological, heavy metal, and additional required testing; monitor results and ensure proper documentation.
• Review analytical data and generate Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) following defined quality standards and templates.
• Maintain organized and accurate quality records, testing logs, and retained samples in compliance with internal quality systems.
• Assist with the administration, monitoring, and continuous improvement of HACCP, SQF, and other food safety programs; serve as alternate SQF Practitioner when needed.
• Partner cross-functionally with quality, operations, purchasing, and supply chain teams to support production and quality objectives.
• Work autonomously while consistently following established procedures and demonstrating strong accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proactively build technical expertise in laboratory testing methods, food safety programs, and functional ingredient performance.

Qualifications & Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• 3 years of experience in a food or beverage production environment, ideally involving blending, mixing, or functional ingredient systems.
• Current HACCP certification required.
• SQF Practitioner certification required.
• Prior experience with hydrocolloids, stabilizers, or functional ingredient blends strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with food safety systems, regulatory expectations, and quality management frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze test results and communicate findings clearly and accurately.

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Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Food & beverage industry: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• HACCP Certification (Required)
• Safe Quality Food Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Monroe, NC 28110: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000