FSQR Lab Technician

ILLES Foods Job Description 

Job Title: FSQR Lab Technician

Reports To: FSQR Manager 

FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt 

Schedule: M-F 7am-5pm (overtime may be required)

About Us:   
Specializing in custom-crafted culinary solutions—from beverage bases and sauces to marinades and seasonings—ILLES Foods has partnered with food service chains, manufacturers, and retailers across the U.S. since 1927. Our Food Innovation expertise, creativity, and speed to market, combined with a laser focus on customer experience, make us a key partner in product development.  As a family-owned, woman-run business, our growth is fueled by deeply held values: operating with integrity, maintaining intentional curiosity, and strong relationship building through the power of partnership. At ILLES Foods, we strive to be the ingredient that elevates food and enriches the lives of our partners, internal and external. 

Job Summary: 
The successful candidate inspects, tests, and approves finished Goods production and raw Materials receipts under the guidance of the FSQA Supervisor and/or Manager/Director. Conducts warehouse inspections and line checks for compliance to GMPs, Food Safety, and FSQA/Sanitation policies and procedures. Collects data, maintains files, and distributes analytical & related information as required. Partner conducts themselves in a manner that is aligned with ILLES Foods Core Values: Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Conducts all analytical tests applicable to each product 

• Conducts calibration on all equipment as required 

• Carries out all environmental sampling 

• Samples equipment for sanitation effectiveness testing 

• Collects all finished product sampling collection 

• Prepares samples for shipment to third-party labs 

• Performs pre-operational inspections 

• Performs line checks during production 

• Acts as backup for Vendor Compliance Specialist to complete warehouse inspections and bug count  

• Ensures that food safety, legality, integrity and quality standards are maintained at all times. 

• Performs other tasks as assigned by management. 

• Regular attendance for scheduled shifts is a requirement of this position. 

Required Key Skills and Qualifications: 

• Time management & reliability: Manages scheduled testing, line checks, and sample collection efficiently; maintains consistent attendance. 

• Safety and compliance: Follows GMPs, food safety, FSQA, and sanitation protocols; ensures legal and quality compliance in lab and production areas. 

• Communication (verbal and written): Documents results clearly and communicates findings to supervisors and teams. 

• Customer service (active listening): Responds effectively to team and production inquiries. 

• Inventory management: Maintains lab supplies and ensures readiness for testing. 

• Flexibility/adaptability: Adjusts to changing schedules and urgent testing needs. 

• Digital literacy: Uses Microsoft Office and electronic QA/FSQA systems. 

• Problem-solving (critical thinking): Identifies issues and recommends corrective actions. 

• Team coordination: Collaborates with FSQA and production teams for smooth testing operations. 

• Conflict resolution: Resolves test or sampling discrepancies professionally. 

Experience & Education: 
Bachelor's or associate degree with 2 years’ experience working in an industrial laboratory (preferably food). 2 years Quality Assurance in Food Manufacturing preferred 

Working Conditions & Physical Demands: 
Taste, smell, and see well enough to discriminate quality and quantity aspects of individual flavor and seasoning components of food products and ingredients. Physically able to lift up to 35 lbs. See well enough to read pertinent documents (hard copy as well as computer screen data and reports). Ability to hear directions in a noisy environment. Be able to effectively communicate with all contacts both orally and in writing. Ability to legally and safely drive a vehicle in performance of the position requirements. 

What We Offer: 
We are a core-value driven, inclusive team that values innovation, growth, and impact. We offer career development, mentorship, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits—including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with immediate match, HSA, EAP, life, disability, and more!  

Disclaimer: 
The job description provides a general overview of the work, not a detailed list of all tasks and skills. Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a health or safety risk. Employees must follow job-related instructions and perform additional duties as per federal and state laws. The listed requirements are the minimum needed to perform the job effectively. Employment is "at-will," meaning it can be terminated at any time. ILLES Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (M/F/D/V)