LAB TECH

Universal Ingredients -Innovative Plant-Based Solutions for Global Industries

Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions – including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems – for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support.

Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.

Job Description For: Lab Technician

Division/Department: Operations/ Quality Assurance

Location: Grandview, WA

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Reports To: Laboratory Supervisor

• Salary/Wage- Refer to Job Classification Wage Detail
• Type of Position: Full-Time
• Hours: 40+/week: Hourly
• Competitive benefit package
• Annual wage review based on individual performance. 
• Company sponsored bonus package dependent upon individual & company performance. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

The Lab Technician is responsible for all QA/QC tests done on the product. This includes tests during production at each piece of equipment, production samples and retains, and incoming products and samples. The Lab Technician is also responsible for reading microbiological results, calibrating, and cleaning the lab equipment, and verification/validation of sanitation in the plant.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Positive, team-oriented attitude. 

• Testing includes but is not limited to process testing, final products, bulk storage tanks, outgoing tankers, blending, packaging and incoming products.
• Understanding and being able analyze all products including but not limited to juices, purees, dry product, oils, and incoming ingredients
• Be able to operate, calibrate and troubleshoot all production and satellite lab equipment
• HPLC operation, analysis, and interpretation of results
• Prepare and send Certificate of Analysis for bulk tanker shipments.
• Keep the lab and the sample freezers organized and clean.
• Analyze and resolve problems or assist other employees in resolving problems.
• Verify plant sanitation by inspection, ATP swabbing and Microbiology swabbing.
• Maintain highest possible housekeeping standards to prevent microbial contamination.
• Assisting in Lab trials and special testing requirements as needed
• Daily data entry of testing results 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

• Notify the supervisor if any test is out of specifications. 
• May be required to perform other tasks other than those listed.

WORK EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Two or more years’ experience in the ingredient, beverage, or food processing industry.
• Must have excellent communication skills both verbal and written. 

• Knowledge of the lab equipment and the proper technique in running them.
• The ability to multi-task (handle several priorities at one time).
• Good computer skills including literacy with Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with lab safety and handling of hazardous materials.
• Reliable, responsible, and organized
• Able to pull, push, lift 10+ lbs. safely throughout a 12-hour shift.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 

• High School Diploma and/or equivalent or higher.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing.