Foods people love. Brands people trust. And a career that nourishes your future like no other.

If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, Nestlé is the place for you. Nestlé USA is one of seven operating companies that make up Nestlé’s presence in the United States. We're in 97% of American homes, and as the leading food and beverage company, our goals are to continue to deliver quality food and beverage products, strengthen our local communities, and reduce our environmental and climate impact.

We’re determined to challenge the status quo and be better tomorrow than we are today. As individuals and teams, we embrace our entrepreneurial culture and have created a workplace where collaboration is essential, courage is rewarded, speed is expected, and agility is the norm to delight our consumers every single day. Here, you will find limitless opportunities to learn and advance your career and feel empowered to succeed in the workplace and beyond. Because our focus is not only on nourishing our customers, but also about enriching you.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

We’re expanding our factory network and introducing a new manufacturing facility designed with the climate in mind. Our Glendale, Arizona production factory is a brand new, state-of-the-art facility and distribution center with cutting-edge technology and advanced systems designed with sustainability at the forefront. Innovative water recycling processes, zero waste to landfill, and fully recyclable product packaging made from food-safe materials are just some of the programs we’ve implemented to support Nestlé’s ambition for zero environmental impact by 2030.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Quality Lab Technician role will have a primary focus of establishing, training, and evolving the factory sensory program for the first 18-24 months. This role involves preparing samples, conducting sensory tests, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of sensory data. This role will collaborate with cross-functional teams to contribute to product development and quality improvement initiatives, as well as partner with other areas of the quality group to ensure understanding and success of the sensory program. This role will also be responsible for providing support to the greater quality lab team in microbiological and chemical testing for finished product and raw material release.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare samples for sensory evaluations, ensuring accuracy and consistency. This includes but is not limited to finished product sensory, raw material sensory, and sporadic sensory panels for keeping quality tests.
• Develop, implement, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to sensory systems.
• Implement digital systems for the recording and collection of sensory data to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with corporate partners to establish sensory systems to ensure compliance with Nestlé specifications for product release.
• Analyze and interpret sensory data for product release and investigations.
• Train sensory panelists by creating processes and documentation regarding the implementation and maintenance of the sensory program.
• Maintain the sensory lab equipment and ensure proper functionality.
• Ordering, organizing, and managing sensory inventory, including sensory materials and supplies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate sensory findings into decision-making processes.
• Assist in the development and continuous improvement of sensory evaluation methods.
• Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) requirements and quality standards.
• As needed: Manage raw material/packaging receipt and movement within site, including but not limited to, receipt in SAP digital system, analysis of material condition, and potential additional testing.
• As needed: Verify food safety and consistency of finished product through sample collection, analytical testing, and other verification activities both on and off the production floor. This can be done through microbiological and chemical method testing.
• As needed: Develop systems’ capabilities to review data outside of sensory for product release and following up with production floor support.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field
• Open to flexing normal working time as needed to cover other areas of quality in order ensure production success of the highest product quality

EXPERIENCE

• At least one year of manufacturing experience required. Experience specifically in beverage or food manufacturing, in areas of Quality Assurance, production, or other related fields preferred
• Experience conducting sensory panels, participation in a sensory lab, or experience in a related role is preferred
• Experience with consumer complaints management preferred

SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, SAP and other relevant software for data entry and analysis.
• Understanding and willingness to learn about keeping quality tests
• Collaborates in both small and large teams consisting of different functions, to raise quality concerns and wins to others
• Conveys information in multiple formats for training and coaching of quality processes as needed
• Willingness to learn as an individual contributor, and to collaborate within the quality team to achieve common goals
• Proactive individual that takes ownership over quality processes and continuous improvement of operation
• Takes initiative in creating and acts on development opportunities for future career paths within Nestlé
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Adherence to safety protocols and hygiene standards in the lab.

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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 an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined 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. 
 

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