QA Lab Analyst (Marin)

Mars Incorporated - Aurora, NE

Full-time

Aurora, NE

10,001+ employees

Food Manufacturing

About the position

Mars Petcare is seeking a Quality Assurance Lab Analyst for our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant located in Aurora, Nebraska. This position is crucial in supporting the manufacturing of high-quality pet food that meets or exceeds all specifications set by Mars, in accordance with the business needs. As a Quality Assurance Lab Analyst, you will be responsible for conducting all quality testing of inbound raw materials and ensuring that the final products adhere to the highest quality standards. This role is not just about performing tests; it involves actively communicating results to production personnel, notifying supervisory staff of any quality issues, and collaborating to resolve them effectively. You will also be involved in follow-up testing of finished products until any issues are rectified and product disposition is resolved in a quality-conscious manner. In addition to routine testing, you will collect samples of ingredients and finished products as required and assist in special tests or inspections as requested by the plant's QA department. Your analytical skills will be essential in helping operations determine the root causes of any issues that arise. You will be expected to understand the processes at NEA to troubleshoot effectively and work towards continuous quality improvement, enhancing final product quality, plant conditions, and customer service while also focusing on productivity and cost reduction. Maintaining a clean and safe work environment is paramount, and you will be responsible for lab housekeeping and equipment maintenance. You will also need to cover all receiving functions and composite lab activities as necessary, ensuring adherence to all site food safety and security practices. This position requires flexibility, as you must be able to cover overtime and work 12-hour shifts. You will initiate PRIMPS and non-conformances in the Nexus System and enter data into NIR and Infinity QS databases, while also maintaining inventory and calibration for testing equipment in the lab. Your role will support material quality management sampling and submission, contributing to the overall success of the manufacturing process.

Responsibilities

• Perform activities of Quality Assurance as detailed in the Quality Systems manual.
• Conduct all lab tests and finished product testing.
• Communicate results of routine QA tests to production personnel.
• Notify supervisory personnel and QA Supervisor of product quality or plant conditions that may affect the product and collaborate to correct the situation.
• Perform follow-up testing of finished products until issues are resolved and product disposition is determined.
• Collect samples of ingredients and finished products as required.
• Assist in special tests or inspections requested by the Plant Manager, Shift Manager, and QA Manager.
• Use analytical data to assist operations in determining the cause of issues.
• Understand processes at NEA to troubleshoot issues effectively.
• Actively work towards quality improvement in final products, plant conditions, and customer service to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Maintain lab housekeeping and equipment maintenance.
• Address food safety and quality concerns proactively.
• Cover all receiving functions as necessary.
• Cover all composite lab activities as needed.
• Ensure adherence to all site food safety and security practices.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment to promote associate safety and product integrity.
• Be available for overtime as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment and/or laboratory experience preferred.

Benefits

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.