Petag

Quality Lab Technician

Hampshire, IL Full Time

At PBI-Gordon Companies, and our subsidiaries PBI-Gordon Corporation, Pegasus Laboratories, and PetAg, Inc, our priority is people, pets, and the places they go.  As employee owners, we support each other in building our careers as well as our companies.  Our foundation is rooted in integrity, innovation, partnership, and pride. Come grow with us!

Summary

 The QA Lab Technician is responsible for performing routine and specialized sampling and testing procedures to ensure that all products meet PetAg’s quality standards and regulatory requirements. This role supports compliance with GMPs, SOPs, and FDA/AAFCO/NASC guidelines by monitoring in-process conditions, verifying and filing documentation, and conducting minor analytical and microbiological testing. The technician will play a key role in maintaining product integrity, supporting audit readiness, and driving continuous improvement in quality processes.

Key Responsibilities
  • Perform incoming sampling of carriers, ingredients, and packaging
  • Monitor and document in-process conditions, materials, and products during
  • Collect and document samples for microbiological and nutritional testing of ingredients and finished goods.
  • Prepare and ship samples to external laboratories for specialized
  • Record and maintain accurate lab results for ingredients and finished products in compliance
  • Audit production processes and documentation using QA checklists to ensure adherence to SOPs and GMPs.
  • Collect, store, and track retain samples for reference and regulatory
  • Conduct environmental monitoring and microbiological sampling of manufacturing
  • Assist with GMP audits and report findings to QA
  • Assist in complaint investigations and root cause analysis as
  • Assist in monitoring and performing calibration and maintenance of lab
  • Conduct analytical testing (e.g., moisture, pH, density) on ingredients and finished
  • Complete all required QA documentation accurately and
  • Participate in continuous improvement projects and cross-functional quality
  • Perform additional assignments as directed by QA
Qualifications & Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related discipline desirable.
  • 1–2 years of experience in a laboratory or food manufacturing environment
  • Proven laboratory and document control skills, including sampling, testing, and analytical
  • Familiarity with lab equipment and calibration
  • Knowledge of food safety protocols (HACCP) and GMP requirements
  • Able to become familiar with FDA, USDA, NASC, and other regulatory guidelines for food safety and labeling.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; experience with QA systems a
  • Excellent attention to detail and documentation
  • Strong communication and teamwork
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work in a laboratory and manufacturing environment with exposure to raw materials and finished products containing controlled allergens.
  • First shift
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally and stand for extended
  • Compliance with all safety and PPE

 

The pay range for this role considers a wide range of factors including but not limited to: skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, geographical location, and other organizational needs.

 

The estimated pay range for this role is $19.73/hr. Min to $29.60/hr. Max per year.

 

Additionally, you will be eligible to participate in a bonus program associated with this specific role.

 


PBI-Gordon Companies and its subsidiaries are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees who work 30 hours per week or more. Full-time employees will become eligible to participate in benefits on the first of the month following their start date, unless stated otherwise below. (Note: Interns do not qualify for eligibility.)

Medical Insurance

We are committed to helping you and your dependents maintain health and wellness by offering voluntary, competitive medical insurance and prescription drug plan options.

Dental Insurance

Choose from two voluntary dental plans that are designed to help protect you and your dependents’ oral health. 

Vision Insurance

Our voluntary vision insurance plan is designed to help protect you and your dependents eye health. Coverage is available for eye exams, frames, lenses, and contact lenses. Employee owners are responsible for 100% of the cost of this plan.

Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

We offer a company-paid $50,000 life insurance policy with AD&D. You also have the opportunity to purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for yourself, your spouse and/or your dependent children. The cost for this coverage is based on the amount you elect and your age.

Short- and Long-term Disability

Our company-paid short-term and long-term disability plans to provide income replacement in the event you are not able to work due to illness or injury. Short-term disability will provide 70% income replacement up to $1,350 per week and long-term disability will provide 60% income replacement up to $5,000 per month.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP Services are company paid to benefit all employee-owners and their families. EAP provides up to six free counseling sessions to help you and your family members manage life stressors, solve personal or relationship concerns, and achieve your goals.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Flexible Spending Plans offer employee-owners the option to set aside pre-tax monies into a medical reimbursement or dependent care account to help pay for out-of-pocket medical, dental or vision expenses or day care costs. The maximum contributions are determined by the IRS and adjusted annually. This is a use-it-or-lose-it account, meaning any funds remaining in the account following the close of the plan year will be forfeited.

Pet Insurance

We love our pets! Pet insurance options for your furry friends is offered through the ASPCA. Employee-owners can enroll and pay premiums directly to ASPCA.

Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off (PTO)

Everyone needs time off to rest and recharge! Paid time off includes Regular PTO, Personal PTO, and specified paid company holidays. *The amount of paid time off (PTO) depends upon the employee's position and years of service.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

We act like we own the company because we do! An ESOP provides employees with an ownership stake in the company. It’s an additional form of compensation directly tied to PBI-Gordon Companies financial success. All regular employees are eligible to participate in the ESOP the first of the month following 30 days of service. PBI-Gordon Companies contributes approximately 18% of total compensation annually with a six-year vesting schedule. Our ESOP is more than a benefit, it is a key part of a culture, and it can provide significant rewards in retirement!

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Saving for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. We offer a 401(k)-retirement savings plan to assist employees with this important financial goal. New employee owners are eligible to participate the first of the month following 30 days of employment. We provide a company match of 100% up to 3% deferral with a three-year vesting schedule.

Fitness Reimbursement

We believe regular exercise helps improve overall health and job performance. PBI-Gordon will reimburse up to a maximum of $300 annually for gym/fitness memberships.

William Everett & Mary Ellen Mealman Scholarship Fund

Children or grandchildren of employee-owners may apply for a scholarship under the William Everett & Mary Ellen Mealman scholarship fund. Applicants are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in extracurricular/community activities.  

Tuition Reimbursement

After one full year of employment, employee-owners are eligible for tuition reimbursement for bachelor’s level coursework related to their current job or any future job offered at PBI-Gordon Companies.

Parental Leave

Company paid parental leave is offered to employee-owners following the birth of a child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption, foster care, or surrogacy. This policy will run concurrently with Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, as applicable.


If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Please see our CCPA disclosure for more information.


Employment is contingent upon and may not begin until the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen. PBI-Gordon and its subsidiaries participate in E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit the E-Verify Website.