Quality Technician - Chemist - 3rd Shift

Quality Technician - Chemist (3rd 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 3rd shift role (11pm–7:30am), 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 3rd shift role (11pm–7:30am) 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.