Food Safety & Quality Assurance Laboratory Technologist
Job Description
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Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
At Smithfield Foods, you're not just starting a job — you're building a career with purpose. As the world’s largest pork processor and leading hog producer in the U.S., we’re a $16 billion global food leader with over 55,000 team members and growing. We’re seeking passionate, detail-oriented individuals to join our quality team as Laboratory Technologists. In this role, you’ll conduct a variety of laboratory tests to monitor food safety and product quality, including microbiological sampling, temperature checks, leaker detection, and sanitation verification. You’ll be responsible for accurately recording test data, interpreting results, and ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.
You’ll maintain proper documentation and contribute to critical programs like HACCP, USDA compliance, and GMP adherence. You’ll play a key role in daily pre-operational inspections, and product traceability. If you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on setting and want to help deliver trusted brands like Smithfield®, Eckrich®, and Nathan’s Famous® to millions of tables, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact — safely, reliably, and with pride.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
Quality Assurance, Lab Testing & Continuous Improvement: You will perform routine microbiological and chemical tests with precision, following established protocols to ensure product safety and quality. You will play an active role in quality assurance by identifying opportunities for process improvements and contributing to initiatives that enhance lab efficiency and accuracy.
Food Safety, HACCP & Lab Compliance: You will enter test data accurately into our digital systems and generate reports that provide essential information to management. These reports will support key operational decisions and continuous improvement.
Data Entry & Analysis Preparation: You will receive and prepare samples by grinding and setting up tests, as well as prepare media needed for analysis. You will carefully read and interpret test results and document critical equipment performance metrics, such as incubator temperatures, to guarantee accuracy. You will enter test data accurately into our digital systems and generate reports that provide essential information to management, supporting informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
Team Collaboration, Training & Coverage: You will actively collaborate with team members to foster a supportive and efficient work environment. You will participate in training initiatives to develop your skills and assist in cross-training others. When needed, you will provide coverage to ensure all lab functions continue seamlessly.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
High School Diploma or general education degree (GED), required.
Demonstrated technical knowledge in quality systems and regulatory compliance.
Must be able to read, write, and complete all required documentation in English.
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience preferred.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating procedures, and technical manuals.
Accurate data entry of test results into databases.
Proficient with basic laboratory equipment.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
Knowledge of quality assurance, food safety, and regulatory standards (USDA, HACCP, SSOP); HACCP and SQF certifications are a plus.
Excellent communication skills for interacting with regulatory agencies, customers, and team members.
Problem-solving and decision-making abilities with conflict resolution skills.
Experience drafting and interpreting SOPs and technical documents.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and standard business software.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office and laboratory setting. The laboratory environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate however some test equipment can be loud.
Regularly required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and smell.
Frequently required to lift up to 25 pounds. Occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.