QA Laboratory Technician

Pittsburgh, PA, Hybrid

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Chicken of the Sea is an iconic American brand that was founded in 1930. Today, Chicken of the Sea enjoys broad distribution across all major retail channels, with growth opportunities in foodservice and outside the U.S. Besides its eponymous brand, Chicken of the Sea also sells Genova and King Oscar premium seafood products.

Chicken of the Sea International (COSI) has been wholly owned since 2000 by Thai Union (TU), the largest global producer of ambient seafood. Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods is a sister U.S. company that focuses on frozen and chilled seafood sales. Other iconic seafood brands in the TU Global portfolio include John West, Mareblu, and King Oscar. Under the leadership of CEO Thiraphong Chansiri, Thai Union has more than tripled its revenue to over $4 billion annually and has an aggressive growth agenda.

Chicken of the Sea International operates under the common corporate vision, mission and values of Thai Union, an industry leader in sustainable fishing practices and manufacturing processes that capture the freshness, nutritional value, and sensorial experience of seafood. The global organization lives by the 6 deeply held values: Passionate, Humble, Respectful, Responsible, Collaborative, and Innovative.

COSI is an organization that is very proud of its heritage. First established as VanCamp seafood company more than 100 years ago (1914), the company celebrates its story as one of the oldest food companies in the country that is still in operation. The company is currently undergoing a significant business transformation aimed at accelerating business growth.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

As a QA Laboratory Technician at Chicken of the Sea International, you will play a vital role in ensuring the quality and safety of our products. Your responsibilities will encompass various aspects of laboratory work, including qualitative, quantitative, analytical, and container examinations on samples of all COSI products, both domestic and imports. Additionally, you will support consumer complaint processing, participate in special projects, and oversee laboratory inventory management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct routine qualitative, quantitative, analytical laboratory tests and container examinations on samples of all COSI products to ensure they meet quality standards and specifications.
• Ensure all testing procedures comply with industry standards and regulations.
• Adhere to the monthly product audit schedule for both domestic and imported products.
• Prepare product samples for management can cuttings and provide support during the evaluation of results.
• Document test results accurately for internal records and external reporting.
• Assist in processing consumer complaints and participate in the COSI Consumer Affairs Group as needed.
• Support special projects assigned by management, such as sensory evaluations of new products or adjustments of formulations.
• Oversee inventory rotation of COS QA laboratory products, maintain logbooks, and manage storage of incoming samples, including R&D projects and competitor products.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory, lab equipment and workspace environment.
• Perform evaluations of product packaging according to LACF requirements, ensuring accurate data recording and adherence to specifications.
• Assist in the evaluation of consumer complaint samples and timely reporting of results to Consumer Affairs.
• Provide support for activities in the QA Laboratory, including handling incoming samples, maintaining lab equipment, managing evaluation records, and coordinating shipping.
• Contribute to the development of product evaluation reports for QA management, including data summarization and creation of presentation materials.
• Organize and prepare samples for various product cuttings, including weekly Brand Strategy, quarterly Competitive Can Cut, Specialty Seafood, Food Service, new employee Onboarding Can Cut, and R&D Samples. Communicate product quality descriptions and specifications during cuttings to the team.
• Ensure that QA Laboratory samples are maintained complete and within shelf life/best by date codes unless directed otherwise.
• Assist with sample submissions to third party laboratories, including but not limited to nutrition analysis, food safety and quality verification, new product development and reformulations, and sampling. Support data analysis, as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS

• 2 years associate degree in sciences is desirable.  Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience preferred.
• Previous experience in a laboratory setting or quality assurance role preferred.
• Knowledge of quality control procedures and familiarity with laboratory equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Must not have allergies to seafood products (fish, shellfish) or soy.
• Must be willing to perform sensory evaluations of seafood products under the direction and collaboration of senior members of the Quality Assurance team, including visual, aroma, and taste evaluations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, communicate, usually through talking, hearing, writing and typing. Employee should be able to operate standard office equipment, i.e., telephones, computers, facsimile and copier. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk, and move or lift to 35 lbs. The employee regularly works in a well-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with a moderate degree of noise.

The employee is required to comply with all company policies, rules and directives, including safe work practices.

VALUES

• Collaborative – works well with diverse workforce; communicates professionally with associates and leaders
• Responsible – punctual, proactively communicates status of issues and projects
• Humble – eager to learn new skills, asks for assistance when needed
• Passionate – has a support-mindset; committed to be the best
• Respectful – exhibits behaviors of caring, compassion, honesty, integrity, and fairness
• Innovative — constantly looks for ways to be more efficient and productive; Committed to continuous improvement

A career at Thai Union is a unique experience to grow as a professional and as a person. You will join a global fast-growing, innovative, and entrepreneurial organization deeply committed to its people, its community, and the environment.

Every single one of our employees matter. We are always listening and giving our talent opportunities to grow, develop, and implement new ideas to make a difference. Our focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainability in a creative and dynamic environment, combined with great opportunities to lead progress, is a guarantee you will quickly develop your professional skills within a diverse & inclusive human-centered organization.

Thai Union is committed to providing equality of opportunity. If you require any reasonable adjustments to help support your application, please let us know.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.