Quality Control Technician

Hello potential future Oatly employee. We're a company that's been making oatmilk for over 30 years, and we've recently expanded to the US. Our goal is to make it easy for people to turn what they eat and drink into personal moments of healthy joy without recklessly taxing the planet's resources in the process.

We're looking for a Quality Control Technician to join our team. As a Quality Control Technician, you will be responsible for ensuring daily adherence to food safety, quality, and regulatory standards across the facility. This includes conducting routine inspections, sampling, laboratory testing, and documentation to verify compliance with SOPs, GMPs, and product specifications.

Responsibilities:

Compliance Monitoring & GMP Verification

• Verify daily compliance with SOPs and GMPs across the facility.
• Report any noncompliance or food safety concerns to the Quality Manager immediately.
• Conduct pre-operational and operational inspections and authorize production start-up with the Production team.
• Participate in the internal BRC auditing program.

Quality Monitoring, Sampling, Testing, and Environmental Monitoring Program

• Perform daily pre-operational ATP swabs to verify sanitation effectiveness.
• Conduct environmental and allergen monitoring per the site EMP and allergen program.
• Perform sampling and testing in accordance with written procedures and instructions.
• Document environmental findings and communicate issues requiring corrective action.

Raw Materials, In-Process, & Finished Goods Quality

• Monitor raw materials, in-process products, and finished product testing for compliance with specifications.
• Verify raw materials, in-process product, and finished goods meet specifications.
• Conduct routine quality checks on oatbase and finished products during the shift.
• Perform raw material testing per specifications.
• Conduct in-process laboratory tests including total solids, pH, viscosity, organoleptic checks, microbiological screens, moisture, density, and other required analyses.
• Perform finished product microbiological testing (APC, yeast, mold) and allergen testing as applicable.
• Enter results and complete release transactions in Sample Manager (LIMS) and/or designated lab systems.
• Prepare quality reports and generate Certificates of Analysis (CoAs).

Data Integrity, Equipment & Materials Management

• Maintain accurate logs, laboratory records, and data integrity.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and data integrity in accordance with procedures.
• Maintain working knowledge of laboratory instruments; perform basic troubleshooting and escalate service needs as required.
• Perform calibration verification on lab equipment (pipettes, scales, moisture analyzers, pH meters, etc.).
• Monitor inventory of chemicals and consumables; submit reorder requests to Quality Leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Communicate raw material or product quality issues promptly.
• Communicate quality issues promptly to appropriate stakeholders.
• Work with Operations, Engineering, and Purchasing to address and resolve supplier quality concerns.
• Participate in root cause analysis and support CAPA activities.
• Recommend and implement improvements to process controls, including SPC adjustments.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper chemical handling and PPE use.
• Contribute to a strong site safety culture through proactive reporting.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.