Job Posting: Laboratory Technician – QA / QC & Regulatory
Company: Swagger Foods Corp.
Location: Vernon Hills, IL
Position Type: Full-Time / Non-Exempt
Starting Wage: $17.00 / hour
Position Overview
Swagger Foods Corp. is seeking a detail-oriented Laboratory Technician (QA/QC & Regulatory) to support our quality assurance, laboratory testing, and regulatory documentation processes. In this role, you will play a key part in maintaining our high standards for raw ingredient evaluation, finished batch testing (custom spice and dry blend manufacturing), environmental monitoring, and compliance tracking under Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and SQF certifications.
This is an entry-to-mid-level laboratory position ideal for candidates looking to grow their career in food safety, quality assurance, and food industry regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Control (QC) & Laboratory Testing
Perform routine sampling, physical testing, and sensory evaluation (appearance, aroma, granulation, moisture, salt/pH levels) on incoming raw materials and finished dry spice blends.
Prepare and retain production samples following company protocols and customer specifications.
Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment (moisture analyzers, sieve shakers, benchtop meters, scales) to ensure accurate test results.
Perform environmental monitoring swabbing and manage routine micro testing samples sent to third-party testing laboratories.
Issue Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for outgoing shipments.
Quality Assurance (QA) & Line Verification
Assist with line pre-operational inspections, sanitation verifications, and metal detection checks across blending and packaging lines.
Audit batch records, blending sheets, and packaging logs for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to HACCP/PCQI principles.
Place out-of-specification raw ingredients, in-process blends, or finished goods on QA Hold and assist in non-conformance investigations and root cause analysis (CAPA).
Regulatory & Compliance Support
Organize and maintain regulatory documents, including Specification Sheets, SDS (Safety Data Sheets), Allergen Statements, Kosher/Organic certificates, and vendor documentation.
Assist in maintaining food safety compliance records for annual GFSI-BRC audits, FSMA regulations, and internal food safety audits.
Support regulatory labeling reviews for private label and proprietary dry blends.
Qualifications & Skills
Required
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related scientific discipline preferred.
0–2 years of experience in a laboratory, food manufacturing, or quality department setting.
Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Basic understanding of food safety concepts (HACCP, allergens, sanitation, cross-contamination prevention).
High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and clear written/verbal communication.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and data entry.
Physical Demands & Working Environment
Must be able to work in a manufacturing and laboratory environment where exposure to dry spices, powders, and food seasonings occurs.
Ability to lift up to 30–50 lbs occasionally for raw material sampling.
Standing, walking, and bending throughout the shift on the production floor and in the laboratory.
