Sensory Lab Technician
Sensory Lab Technician
Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.
At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.
Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Position Summary:
The Sensory Lab Technologist is a critical technical role responsible for the end-to-end management of the Sensory Lab at the Nestlé Burlington factory. This individual contributor will lead the execution of sensory programs, ensuring the lab operates with excellence in support of product quality, consumer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
This role partners closely with cross-functional teams including Quality, Manufacturing, R&D, and Operations to drive site-wide quality performance. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical acumen, attention to detail, and a passion for elevating sensory science as a strategic tool for quality assurance.
This is a first shift, salaried non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime. The role is designed to support the strategic growth of the Burlington site’s quality culture through sensory excellence and technical leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage daily bake-ups and ensure timely preparation of sensory samples for evaluation.
- Coordinate and execute sensory panels for all finished products, ensuring consistency and adherence to protocols.
- Grade and score sensory panel paperwork accurately and input results into batch release sheets and SAP systems.
- Reconcile daily attendance of sensory panelists and verify compliance with participation requirements.
- Monitor panelist training status and ensure refresher training is completed by non-compliant individuals.
- Communicate monthly raffle drawings and attendance compliance updates to panelists and stakeholders.
- Organize and deliver sensory training for new panelists every six months and conduct yearly spike tests to validate panel performance.
- Maintain and update quality management documentation related to sensory standards and grading protocols.
- Oversee inventory management for the sensory room and company store, ensuring availability of necessary supplies.
- Ensure the sensory lab maintains hygienic zone standards and complies with internal cleanliness protocols.
- Support community outreach initiatives that promote sensory awareness and engagement within the local area.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive site-wide quality performance and continuous improvement through sensory excellence.
- Manage waste generated by the sensory program on a daily basis.
- Organize and maintain the sensory retention program rooms to ensure compliance and cleanliness standards are met.
Qualifications:
- High school degree required, Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Chemistry, or related field preferred
- 2+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in quality assurance in a food manufacturing environment
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Proficiency in sensory software and data analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft, Excel, Various Document Control Systems)
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Passion for continuous improvement and team development
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand for extended periods during lab work.
- Manual dexterity for sample preparation and equipment handling.
- Capability to lift and move items up to 25 lbs.
- Comfortable working in a lab environment with food products and sensory stimuli.
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.
Job Requisition: 374294
Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.
At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.
Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Position Summary:
The Sensory Lab Technologist is a critical technical role responsible for the end-to-end management of the Sensory Lab at the Nestlé Burlington factory. This individual contributor will lead the execution of sensory programs, ensuring the lab operates with excellence in support of product quality, consumer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
This role partners closely with cross-functional teams including Quality, Manufacturing, R&D, and Operations to drive site-wide quality performance. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical acumen, attention to detail, and a passion for elevating sensory science as a strategic tool for quality assurance.
This is a first shift, salaried non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime. The role is designed to support the strategic growth of the Burlington site’s quality culture through sensory excellence and technical leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage daily bake-ups and ensure timely preparation of sensory samples for evaluation.
- Coordinate and execute sensory panels for all finished products, ensuring consistency and adherence to protocols.
- Grade and score sensory panel paperwork accurately and input results into batch release sheets and SAP systems.
- Reconcile daily attendance of sensory panelists and verify compliance with participation requirements.
- Monitor panelist training status and ensure refresher training is completed by non-compliant individuals.
- Communicate monthly raffle drawings and attendance compliance updates to panelists and stakeholders.
- Organize and deliver sensory training for new panelists every six months and conduct yearly spike tests to validate panel performance.
- Maintain and update quality management documentation related to sensory standards and grading protocols.
- Oversee inventory management for the sensory room and company store, ensuring availability of necessary supplies.
- Ensure the sensory lab maintains hygienic zone standards and complies with internal cleanliness protocols.
- Support community outreach initiatives that promote sensory awareness and engagement within the local area.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive site-wide quality performance and continuous improvement through sensory excellence.
- Manage waste generated by the sensory program on a daily basis.
- Organize and maintain the sensory retention program rooms to ensure compliance and cleanliness standards are met.
Qualifications:
- High school degree required, Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Chemistry, or related field preferred
- 2+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in quality assurance in a food manufacturing environment
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Proficiency in sensory software and data analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft, Excel, Various Document Control Systems)
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Passion for continuous improvement and team development
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand for extended periods during lab work.
- Manual dexterity for sample preparation and equipment handling.
- Capability to lift and move items up to 25 lbs.
- Comfortable working in a lab environment with food products and sensory stimuli.
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.
Job Requisition: 374294
Burlington, WI, US, 53105
Burlington, WI, US, 53105
Nearest Major Market: Milwaukee