Dairy Farmers of America · 10 hours ago
Lab Lead Technician
Rensselaer, NY
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$27/hr - $28.25/hr
4+ years expDairy Farmers of America is seeking a Lab Lead Technician to coordinate daily lab activities and support the team in executing laboratory and quality assurance activities. The role involves training new employees, performing laboratory tests, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and contributing to the improvement of laboratory systems.
Food and BeverageWellnessAgricultureDairyDietary SupplementsFood Processing
Responsibilities
Coordinate daily lab activities; assign work tasks; monitor task progress; monitor technicians’ performance and the correctness and efficiency of their testing; conduct inspections of the work area; function as an escalation point for questions or issues; and provide input into performance development and management activities
Provide laboratory training and function as a go-to resource; familiarize new technicians with all laboratory methods and good laboratory practices; model and promote a food safety and quality culture within the team
Ensure the efficiency and correct conditions for all tests and analysis in the lab
Perform all laboratory testing and quality control activities as needed to support the team in executing laboratory and quality assurance activities
Perform quality checks on all laboratory equipment; conducts equipment calibrations at established frequency; conduct or coordinate maintenance, trouble shooting, and repairs of laboratory equipment
Notify supervisor of any out-of-range value or variation from accepted norms in operations or product quality immediately; monitor quality problems or trends. Maintain documentation of all non-compliance to work standards. Review findings and establish plan of action to correct deviations
Assist production in root-cause analysis for process results that are out of spec
Ensure lab records are accurate, clear, timely, and completed with required information. Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with standard operation procedures
Actively contribute to continued improvement of laboratory systems; participate in and/or lead task meetings and suggest changes in work tasks and use of equipment to increase efficiencies
Make sure master sanitation is complete and signed off in a timely manner
Assist with laboratory special projects and new testing implementation
Assist department supervisor in monitoring GMP compliance
Assist the supervisor in creating standard operating procedures (SOP’s, SSOP’s,) and other procedures for the laboratory; modify, maintain and review procedures for accuracy and completeness
Assist during inspections and organize findings for presentation to the management team
Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required
Qualification
Required
High school diploma or equivalent
4 to 6 years of food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance, and/or related work experience
Demonstrated leadership attributes or team lead experience
Mastery of applicable laboratory equipment and laboratory processes
Strong understanding of how laboratory analysis relates to different steps in the manufacturing process
Able to fully understand and articulate the impact a laboratory has on the company as a whole
Able to use Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
Able to follow laboratory procedures and state and federal regulations regarding the testing of applicable products
Able to promote a team environment
Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
Able to multi-task and problem solve
Able to prioritize tasks and work independently
Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Able to take initiative in performing job and seek increased responsibilities
Able to work in collaboration, foster good teamwork, and promptly share relevant information with others
Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
Must be able to read, write and speak English
Preferred
Post-secondary education related to food science, biological science, or related sciences preferred
Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment such as Better Processing Certificate, state certification for antibiotic testing, etc
Company
Dairy Farmers of America
Dairy Farmers of America is a milk marketing cooperative owned and served by farmers across the nation.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Dairy Farmers of America has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (6)
2023 (1)
2022 (2)
2021 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$45MKey Investors
U.S. Department of Agriculture
2022-09-15Grant· $45M
Leadership Team
Dennis Rodenbaugh
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Jones
Division Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2025-12-15
Family Features
2025-11-04
Company data provided by crunchbase