Quality Assurance Lab Technician - Days

Job Summary

At Heartland Coca‑Cola Bottling Company, quality is at the heart of everything we do. As a Quality Assurance Technician, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring the safety, integrity, and consistency of products enjoyed by millions of consumers every day.

The QA Tech conducts various checks and tests of raw, in-process, and finished products and/or processes to verify production of high-quality product, to successfully meet the demands of our customers.  This role follows regulatory requirements while adhering to standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and internal policies to ensure compliance of quality & food safety standards as established by the QA department. 

Job Responsibilities

• Safety, GMP, and Compliance
  Uphold all safety practices to prevent injury; identify and report safety hazards. Maintain plant sanitation, housekeeping, and personal hygiene in accordance with GMPs, FDA CFR Title 21 Part 117, and company policies. Follow all required work instructions related to Quality, Environmental, Safety, and Food Safety.
• Food Safety & Regulatory Oversight
  Understand, monitor, and support compliance with ISO/GFSI standards, FDA FSMA requirements, and company Food Safety and Quality programs. Exercise authority to stop production when product is out of specification or when a food safety or compliance risk is identified.
• Quality Testing & Analysis
  Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of incoming, in‑process, and finished products using standardized procedures, including sensory evaluation, pH, titratable acidity, Brix, CO₂, density, TDS, and microbiological sampling and testing.
• Quality Audits, Sampling & Documentation
  Conduct standardized quality sampling, package inspections, and production audits. Accurately document results in electronic logbooks and databases and promptly report variances or non‑conformities to plant management. Isolate and manage non‑conforming product.
• Laboratory & Equipment Management
  Standardize, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment; troubleshoot quality systems, equipment, and processes to ensure reliable and accurate results.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
  Support production through effective time management to minimize downtime and ensure the consistent production of high‑quality finished goods. Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, food safety, environmental, and plant safety programs. Continuously develop technical and professional skills to support a world‑class manufacturing environment.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of one year of work experience required.
• Prior experience in production and/or manufacturing or as a lab technician preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in a positive and engaged team atmosphere.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Familiarity with lab safety and handling of hazardous materials. Must be able to read, write, and speak English to properly understand and relay important safety and quality information.
• Capable of working well with others and maintaining excellent interdepartmental relationships.
• Readily accepts instruction from management and supervisors and executes effectively.
• Must be able to take initiative and work independently at times.
• Needs to be reliable and open to a flexible schedule.
• Strong computer comprehension capabilities, including Word, Excel, and various quality system applications.
• Prior experience using a forklift and order picker preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Acute Vision: Constantly (observing both near and far, reading documents)
• Speaking: Constantly (investigates, negotiates, recommends, reports, etc.)
• Typing/texting: Frequently using a keyboard/phone for day-to-day business (email, reports)
• Mobility: Occasional travel throughout the plant and office environment.
• Lifting: Occasionally lift 15 pounds or less (laptop, tablet, handheld devices)