Utz Quality Foods is seeking an Analytical Lab Technician to join our team in Hanover, PA. The Analytical Technician performs analytical testing and equipment maintenance to support product quality, food safety, and R&D initiatives across the Utz network of laboratories. Working under general guidance, this role handles sample preparation, data collection, and documentation, while contributing to special projects and process improvements alongside laboratory and cross-functional teams.
This position is based in the laboratory in Hanover and requires on site work Monday through Friday.
Responsibilities
- Complete precise analytical testing on raw materials, finished goods, and benchtop samples.
- Execute daily calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of corporate lab equipment.
- Assist with researching lab equipment capabilities, methodologies, process settings and more extensive troubleshooting techniques.
- Identify and troubleshoot testing discrepancies and analytical equipment drift with a high level of attention to detail.
- Lead analytical projects and requests providing status updates, analytical data and final summaries.
- Collaborate and lead project initiative discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Travel to manufacturing locations to support internal lab initiatives and project execution as needed.
- Responsible for the network lab equipment loaner program.
- Support the development of GLPs, SOPs, and equipment trouble-shooting guides.
- Maintain inventory of lab PPE, chemicals and consumables.
- Assist with sample procurement initiatives, preparation and shipping to network sites and third party.
- Escalate food safety and quality issues to Utz leadership as needed.
- Perform other duties assigned that will support the company and department objectives.
Qualifications
Experience
- 3 years' experience working in a laboratory environment, QA food manufacturing or R&D.
- At least 3 years' experience working in cross functional teams.
- Experience with laboratory testing methods for snack foods, including analytical and sensory evaluation.
Skills
- Strong mathematical and statistical skills with the ability to analyze data and draw valid conclusions
- Comprehend, retain, and ability to develop technical written instruction and SOPs
- Effective time management skills - balance priorities, multiple projects and analytical requests
- High level of organization, cleanliness, and attention to detail
- Self-motivating with the ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Comfort presenting data and training materials to cross functional teams
- Ability to effectively listen, communicate, and interface across several organizational levels
- Intermediate experience with Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Minitab.
Education
- Associate's or bachelor's in science related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Why Join Us? At Utz, we value innovation, collaboration, and dedication. As a Laboratory Analyst, you will play a crucial role in our mission to enhance our digital presence and improve customer engagement. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of a team that is making a real difference.
If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to our success, we would love to hear from you!
External Recruitment Process
- Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
- Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
- Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.
Continuously Pursuing Excellence!
Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our full-time benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale!
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
