QA/QC Lab Technician

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.

Our Culture

FedUp Foods fuels the growth and success of open-minded, collaborative, and passionate individuals who thrive on teamwork, creativity, and continuous learning.

As a proud benefit corporation we have chosen to make People one of our benefit pillars. We strive to make sure every employee of FedUp Foods feels welcomed, valued, and empowered by fostering a collaborative and adaptable community, providing growth opportunities, and creating a supportive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

Our Values : Agility, Collaboration, Communication, Lifelong Learning, Community, Gratitude

Our Benefits (FT Roles) :

• Health Insurance (company pays 80-90% individual premium)
• Group Term Life Insurance (100% of premium paid by company)
• Vision and Dental Coverage (paid by the employee)
• Voluntary Group Life Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability (50% of premium paid by company)
• Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Retirement : 401k with Employer Match
• 8 Paid Holidays
• PTO and Sick Time

Position Summary

The Packaging Technician III (Lead) plays a vital role in the successful production of our beverages. They are expected to operate with integrity and a high level of focus in all positions on the production line to ensure we are safely sending the highest quality products possible to our customers.

Through a strong attention to operational detail and effective team leadership, the focus is to ensure production quotas are met on time while meeting all safety and quality standards.

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

Position Summary

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.

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

General Duties / Responsibilities

• 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
• Follow good laboratory, documentation, manufacturing, and safety practices.
• Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment by following Work Instructions(WIs).
• 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.
• Perform lab instrument checks and calibrations as needed to ensure accurate results.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Maintain glassware in handling, cleaning, and sanitizing.
• Set up and participate in a daily tasting panel.
• 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.
• Obtain and prepare samples from various points of the production process according to the testing schedule.
• Perform shelf-life, brite tank testing analysis on finished products.
• Crash work-in-progress tanks when needed and notify relevant parties.
• 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.
• Willingness to support other Departments during downtime.

Food Safety and Quality Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Skills / Abilities

• 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.
• We believe in investing in our team members' learning, growth, and relationship building. The person in this role may travel to our Asheville, NC area headquarters for paid onsite onboarding and learning (with company provided hotel, meal stipend, and mileage reimbursement).
• Two tentative shifts available : M-F, 6 : 30a-3p; and S-Th, 9a-5 : 30p.
• Extended shifts, overtime, and weekends may be needed based on business needs.
• Flexibility in work hours is necessary to meet operational demands.

Education and Experience

• 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 or beverage production preferred.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• 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.

EEO Statement

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.