This position ensures the safety, quality and complaints of products manufactured and distributed by a fully integrated soybean processing facility. This role is expected to perform accurate and timely lab analysis on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and other samples as required to support operational decisions to maintain company standards, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain food/feed safety programs.
Laboratory Operations:
- Perform and lead daily testing to ensure food safety and quality of the final product within the Quality Control laboratory of a fully integrated soybean processing facility.
- Operate all laboratory equipment and conduct routine analyses on raw materials, finished products, and inprocess samples.
- Manage multiple tasks efficiently to meet testing deadlines.
- Understand Official Methods used for testing (e.g., ASTM, EN, AOCS, USP, etc.).
- Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for testing methods.
- Accurately enter test data into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Generate all Certificates of Analysis (COAs) on finished products and special COAs requested by commercial (e.g., transloads, commingles, 3rd party, customer requests, data sheets, etc.).
- Collect samples from operational areas as required (e.g., final tanks, microbiological samples, etc.).
- Collect and ship samples as needed (e.g., referee sample, customer requests, 3rd party testing, etc.).
- Maintain a clean and organized lab environment in compliance with 5S and housekeeping standards.
- Maintain skill levels as training is completed through the level progression system.
- Performs basic troubleshooting and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Accepts/carries out/completes other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Supervisor or Quality Manger.
Process Control & Improvement:
- Analyze production and certification samples and communicate results promptly to operations personnel.
- Report out of spec or out of trend results to management.
- Collect samples as required to maintain the environmental monitoring program.
- Perform ATP and allergen testing as required in operational areas to ensure cleanliness.
- Participates in cross-check testing with internal and external laboratories. Quality and Food/Feed Safety Programs:
- Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and Food Safety Management Systems, including FSSC 22000.
- Understand and adhere to BQ9000 Producer Requirements and NOPA Trading Rules.
Equipment Used
- Standard laboratory equipment and machinery (e.g., FTIR, GC, ICP-OES, ICP-MS Karl Fisher, NIR, analytical balance, colorimeter).
- Typical office equipment: PC, telephone, printer/scanner, fax machine.
- Personal protective equipment as required.