Quality Technician - Chemist (2nd Shift)
Are you ready to influence the future of pet health by ensuring every product meets the highest nutritional standards? As a Quality Technician - Chemist at our highly automated Tonganoxie facility, you will own the analytical testing process from raw materials to finished products, driving the efficiency of our world-class quality systems. In this 2nd shift (3pm–11:30pm) , you will develop your technical expertise while directly impacting the production of nutritionally superior pet food. Join our team and envision yourself thriving in a cutting-edge environment where your work truly matters.
For the first 2 to 3 months, you will work the day shift to fully immerse yourself in our processes and laboratory standards. Following this initial training period, you will transition to your permanent 2nd shift (3pm–11:30pm) schedule
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Understands and is accountable for full compliance with safety and other EOHS requirements.
- Performs or assists vendors in the installation and qualification phases of laboratory instruments.
- Analyzes ingredients and finished product for moisture, fat, protein, ash, and minerals paralleling compliance to official laboratory methods.
- Performs routine peroxide value, free fatty acid, and mycotoxin testing.
- Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment and equipment calibrations.
- Understands precautions in handling reagents and disposal of chemical waste according to local and environmental regulations.
- Conducts internal and external audits of Quality Systems.
- Participates and executes corrective action planning and remediation.
- Prepares, organizes, and stores library samples.
- Adheres to quality programs such as HACCP, SOPs, and document control.
- Prepare samples for Third Party analysis
- Ability to perform NIR testing according to SOP’s and maintain calibrations as required
- Maintains and troubleshoots quality systems, equipment and programs including metal detectors, scales, and check-weighs.
- Assists in SAP processes / transactions such as hold/release, product traceability and recall, and regulatory compliance.
- Identifies continuous improvement opportunities for Quality and Micro issues.
- Conducts training for plant personnel regarding Quality and Laboratory procedures.
- Measures, records, and reports plant KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators).
- Comply with Best Laboratory & Documentation Practices
- Able to conduct CAPA analysis on out of specification laboratory results
- Orders lab supplies and maintaining budget goals
- Maintains proficiency in SAP process flow and application. Able to quickly retrieve and understand data to support FDA, USDA, external and internal audit requests.
- Works any shift as needed, and troubleshoots quality issues over the phone during off hours.
- Understands bioterrorism initiatives and food safety and regulatory standards.
- Researches new methods and equipment through the participation in projects with other departments.
- Provides finished product data and analytical results of test products for the Pet Nutrition Center.
- Understands plant floor operations and equipment
- Other job duties and projects as assigned.
- Communicates with Operations and Management teams regarding routine matters in person, via phone and electronically.
- Shares information and communicates on routine issues with the Quality Team, PNC, and various Corporate groups in person, via phone and electronically.
- Develops relationships and shares knowledge with outside contractors and vendors by phone, via email, and in person.
Required Qualifications
- BS degree in Chemistry, Food Science or related field. OR
- Bachelor’s degree with 3+ year’s experience in analytical laboratory in food, consumer product or pharmaceutical industry
- Ability to work any work schedule, including weekends.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5 or more years of experience in an analytical laboratory.
- Knowledge of quality systems.
- Computer skills including email, spreadsheet, presentation and database management.
- Good technical, communications, and interpersonal skills.
- Previous experience using SAP.
- Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Broad Supply Chain perspective.
- Knowledge of analytical method validation
What we offer
- Merit increase every year based on performance
- Advancement Opportunities
- Great Culture & work environment at a climate controlled facility
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for employee & eligible dependents - Start on Day 1
- Basic Life Insurance for you and eligible dependents at NO Cost
- 3 weeks Paid Vacation
- 40 hours of PTO
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Saving & Investment Plan with Company Match
- Tuition Assistance - up to $10,000 per year
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to discounted Company products
The Company and our Hill's Tonganoxie Plant maintains a smoke- and tobacco-free facility. No smoking or other use of tobacco products (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes or vaping devices, pipes, cigars, snuff, or chewing tobacco) is permitted in any part of the building, facility or in vehicles owned, leased, or rented by the Company.
