Entry Level Lab Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Yakult USA, the world’s leading probiotic drink manufacturer located in Fountain Valley, CA, is hiring 3rd shift QC Assistant.

• Location: Fountain Valley, CA
• Direct Hire with Excellent Benefit Package: Medical / Dental / Vision / Life Insurance, 401K with matching, Paid Holiday & PTO
• Work Hours: 5 days/week, Monday – Saturday (Sunday and another day off during weekday), 3rd shift: 11:00pm – 8:00am
• Salary Range: $21.50~$27.50/hr plus $3.00/hr for additional 3rd shift pay

Requirements of the QC Assistant:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related course of study highly preferred.
• 1 year + of quality control experience in a factory or laboratory setting.
• Experience in product quality inspection, microbiological testing, process checks and HACCP activities at food/beverages related factories.
• HACCP or ISO certified preferred.
• Driver’s license is required for coordination with outside lab.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain excellent organization and have high attention to detail.
• Ability to accept direction and have a desire to work as part of a team.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to change.

Responsibilities of the QC Assistant:

• Oversee lab analysis with respect to physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters.
• Prepare quality control reports on a daily and monthly basis.
• Update Production and Factory Managers with quality control results and reports.
• Format and verify all quality control records following established company standards.
• Be responsible for all quality control equipment and supplies, including inventory and maintenance.
• Coordinate with outside lab for sample checking.
• Prepare Standard Operating Procedure manual for departmental use.
• Conduct food safety and hygiene training and testing for employees.
• Determine material requirements, generate and place purchase orders.
• Keep track of calibration schedules and equipment history.
• Perform inventory control, ensuring that supplies are in stock by conducting monthly inventory.
• Perform other related duties as assigned (maybe general factory tasks).
• Identify weak points in factory cleanliness and mentor employees in improvement.
• Microbiology Culturing, environmental sampling.
• Escort and assist auditors from CDFA and other agencies.
• Audit suppliers of raw materials.
• Investigate results that are out of specifications.
• Maintain a safe work environment by practicing company policies, standard food safety OSHA guidelines.
• Perform any other duties assigned.

Other Food Safety Duties:

• Perform pre-operational inspections and take actions when applicable.
• Follow established Good Manufacturing Practices and food safety policies and procedures.
• Provide feedback on continuous improvement opportunities.
• Document control and records keeping. Implement Good Documentation Practices.
• Report to Management any of the following: pest activity, food defense or food fraud suspicious activities, evidence of product contamination.
• Train employees on food safety programs. Ensure training is effective through competencies evaluation (observation, group verbal questions, written).
• Participate in monthly food safety meetings and food safety plan building, changes and/or verification.
• Follow-up on action plans resulting from food safety initiatives such as pre-operational inspections, internal/external audits, Critical Control Points and Preventative Control deviations.
• Participate in proficiency testing program.
• Participate in documentation, training and implementation of food safety programs.

TriCom Quest is a full-service employment agency serving the greater Los Angeles area. We partner with a wide range of industries, with a special focus on international companies, helping fill roles from entry level to executive leadership. Our mission is to connect employers with the right talent—and to help job seekers find positions where they can thrive and grow.