Quality Lab Technician

Job Title: Quality Lab Technician                      

Career Level: S1

Function: Operations              

Reports to: FSQA Supervisor              

Location: Byron, MN

Position Type: Full Time

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 5 am – 3:30 pm, overtime as necessary

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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

As our Quality Lab Tech, you will be responsible for ensuring that all finished products are tested and run within specification.  Technicians train on all Lab duties and include: Sample procurement, equipment calibration, finished product testing, COA production and raw material testing.  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 
• Other duties as assigned. This may include: 
• Completing COAs 
• Product Formula generation 
• Any others assigned by management
• Demonstrate adherence to the site’s Safety and GMP practices 
• Attend monthly facility Safety training  
• Assist with appropriate Risk Assessments upon request 
• Assist with appropriate Accident/Incident Investigations and Right-to-Refuse Investigation 

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be able to communicate, read and write in English
• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school education or higher 
• Must have basic computer skills 
• Ability to multi-task effectively 
• Strong attention to detail 
• Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point applications to a food production facility 

Desired Qualifications

• Prior Experience working in lab environment strongly preferred.
• Good work standing with regards to performance and attendance 
• Support a safe work environment 
• Must be self-motivated, dependable and a team player 
• Ability to represent the company in an upbeat and professional manner 

• Ability to give and take direction
• Good communication skills 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role requires regular standing, walking, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 60 pounds. Employees must be able to perform repetitive motions and safely operate equipment while following all safety and quality procedures.

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, hearing protection, gloves, and hairnets.

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Career progression opportunities, including global mobility.
• Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.

TOTAL REWARDS

Total Rewards at Ornua Ingredients North America will include a competitive salary and quarterly bonus scheme for production. The following are a list of other benefits you can avail of: low employee contribution for Medical, Vision and Dental benefits cover; 401k; Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; Long Service Awards.

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.