Quality Lab Technician

Job Title: Quality Lab Technician                       

Function: Quality

Reports to: Quality Assurance Supervisor                   

Location: Byron, MN                 

Position Type: Full Time 

SHIFT:  1st Shift -Monday - Thursday - 7:00am - 5:00pm,   (Overtime as needed)

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Ornua is a leading dairy company and the proud owner of premium dairy brands enjoyed by consumers around the world. With annual revenues exceeding $3.7 billion and a global workforce of approximately 2,800 employees, Ornua operates across 10 business units and 12 production facilities spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa.

In North America, Ornua is focused on delivering high-quality dairy products and ingredients to retail, foodservice, and food manufacturing customers. The company supports the growth of globally recognized brands, including Kerrygold, while also providing innovative dairy ingredient solutions to meet evolving customer needs.

Backed by a strong global supply network and deep dairy expertise, Ornua combines the strength of an international organization with a commitment to local markets, customers, and communities. Through its manufacturing facilities, commercial teams, and customer partnerships across the United States and Canada, Ornua continues to drive growth, innovation, and excellence throughout the dairy industry.

At Ornua, our success is built on our people, our values, and our commitment to delivering quality products and exceptional service to customers every day.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

Ornua Ingredients North America custom formulates and manufactures a complete line of pasteurized process cheese products. As a Quality Technician, you will perform inspections and procedures related to Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs, and will assist the department in performing and documenting all regulatory compliance requirements.  The Lab Technician works closely with production staff in reporting any out - of -  specification products, ingredients, or conditions as soon as possible.  They will work cross-functionally to ensure all employees follow GMP’s and Quality protocols as defined by local, state, and federal regulations. Your contributions will strengthen our operations, support our culture of continuous improvement, and help Ornua deliver high-quality products enjoyed by consumers around the world.   

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Set up and calibrate lab equipment
• Check the Production line at the beginning of each new product to ensure that the proper raw materials and ingredients are being used
• Check the Packaging line at the beginning of each product run to ensure proper product labeling and identification
• Perform required on-line testing (Fat, Moisture, pH, etc.) during Production to ensure that products will function and conform to specifications
• Communicate with Production staff regarding formula adjustments
• Perform finished product testing on samples the following production day which includes: Melt, Flavor, Color, Functionality and Microbiological testing
• Generate reports on all finished products following testing
• Conduct additional costumer-specific testing on finished products (Sauce, Viscosity, Water Activity, etc.)
• Perform environmental swabbing on a weekly basis
• Obtain cheese samples of incoming raw materials for analytical testing
• Obtain and prepare hot product samples for pathogen testing
• Demonstrate adherence to the site’s Safety and GMP practices
• Flexes work schedule as needed across shifts to provide coverage for vacations, planned time off, and other employee absences, ensuring continuity of operations and support for business needs
• Other duties as assigned. This may include: 
• Completing COAs
• Product Formula generation
• Any others assigned by management

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KEY REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or Chemistry degree preferred
• General knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Sanitation, and Production preferred
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Must be dependable and demonstrate a stable work history
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, including verbal, written, listening, reading comprehension, and basic computer skills
• Basic math skills
• Authorization to work in the U.S. required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able and willing to work in an environment that is not climate controlled
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds as required for sample collection, testing materials, and equipment
• Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments that may include varying temperatures, noise levels, odors, and exposure to food production processes
• Ability to adjust body position to bend, stand, walk, turn, and pivot

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a food manufacturing facility with variable temperatures — cooler warehouse areas and warmer production zones. The environment includes exposure to moving equipment, moderate to loud noise levels, and required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats and hairnets. 

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.  Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at 833-450-2385 or peopleservicesus@ornua.com. 

This employer participates in E-Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I-9 will be submitted to the E-Verify system. E-Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.