Job Description

Job Title

QA Lab Technician I

Job #

US19925

Requisition Type

Regular

Function

Manufacturing

State/Province

Virginia

City

Blacksburg

Region

US

Posting Start Date

Mar-12-2026

Division Information

The Pet Care business unit of Spectrum Brands is based in St. Louis, Missouri with distribution, manufacturing and sales offices throughout the US and globe. Owners of dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish and reptiles rely on our brands for exceptional value and trusted results. Our industry-leading brands include Tetra®, Instant Ocean®, Marineland®, 8-in-1®, Dingo®, FURminator®, Nature’s Miracle®, GloFish®, DreamBone® and SmartBones®.

Job Summary

Performs chemical laboratory analyses and quality reviews within the Quality Assurance Lab to ensure raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products meet established quality and food safety standards. Supports manufacturing operations by conducting testing, maintaining laboratory equipment, documenting results, and assisting with investigations to ensure compliance with company procedures, cGMP guidelines, and regulatory requirements. This position works a Monday through Thursday schedule from 5:00 PM to 3:30 AM, with overtime required as needed to support production and business demands.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform routine chemical analysis of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products according to testing methodologies, Certificates of Analysis (COA), and cGMP guidelines.
• Review COAs for raw materials and finished products to ensure microbial results meet acceptable food safety standards.
• Collect, prepare, ship, and document product samples in accordance with quality assurance testing programs and external testing agency requirements.
• Perform daily calibration, routine maintenance, and maintain documentation for laboratory instrumentation.
• Assist with laboratory investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Maintain retention samples for raw materials and finished products.
• Follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) to ensure safety, cleanliness, and proper laboratory operations.
• Prepare standards, solutions, and media required for laboratory testing.
• Report out-of-specification (OOS) results in a timely manner and assist in investigations and corrective actions.
• Disposition (release or hold) raw materials, in-process batches, and finished goods for manufacturing or final use.
• Assist in preparation for internal and external compliance audits.
• Work collaboratively with other laboratory associates to achieve shift, department, and plant objectives.
• Provide support to internal and external customers and manufacturing operations as needed.
• Work with limited supervision while exercising initiative, independent judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Work scheduled hours of 5:00 PM – 3:30 AM, Monday through Thursday, with overtime required as needed to meet production schedules and business needs.

Education and Experience Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of science (Biology, Food Science, Chemistry, or Microbiology), or 2-5 years of relevant Quality Assurance experience

Required Skills

• High level of organizational skills
• Knowledge of laboratory operations, equipment, and safety requirements
• Strong understanding of Good Laboratory Practices requirements
• Analytical skills
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Ability to think creatively and overcome obstacles
• Demonstrate strong multi-tasking skills
• Proficient skill level in MS Office Applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel.
• Good communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels within the organization

Work Environment

• Chemical Laboratory
• Manufacturing Floor/Compounding

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