Lab Manager Jobs in Goleta, CA (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY
This position reports to the Quality Operations Lead. The Quality Control (QC) Lab Technician supports the facility's animal food safety, quality, and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) programs through routine monitoring, documentation review, and execution of daily laboratory activities.
The role combines a strong on-floor presence --observing operations, addressing Quality questions, and reinforcing compliance --with hands-on laboratory work, including internal testing and coordinating sample submission to third-party labs. The QC Lab Technician collects, processes, and tests samples from raw materials (RAW), work-in-process (WIP), and finished products to help ensure products meet internal specifications and applicable FDA requirements for animal food manufacturing, including cGMPs.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
• Internal lab testing that includes Microbiological plating, Water Activity (aW), FTIR, Loss on Drying and other daily lab tasks.
• Monitors and verifies documentation practices during production, including batch record completion, data integrity, and lot code accuracy; corrects errors in real time, and signs as Quality Reviewer.
• Organizes and transfers retention samples.
• Provides in plant/on floor support and guidance for GMP product quality assurance and compliance for Manufacturing Operations. Supply manufacturing and packaging operations Quality oversight - supplying the WHY as well as the HOW Quality is applied.
• Monitors records associated with process controls and control points (e.g., metal detection, label verification, seal checks, etc.) and ensures required frequencies and documentation are met.
• Provides feedback to manufacturing on batch report completeness and cGMPs.
• Ensures that all activities related to manufacturing and packaging processes comply with cGMP, applicable regulations and Zoetis Global Systems and Standards.
• Conducts pre-operational and operational sanitation inspections of production rooms and equipment; verify cleaning and sanitizing effectiveness.
• Participates in inspection readiness and preparation activities, including frontline and backroom support during regulatory site inspections. Assist the Quality Leadership Team, as a backup auditee for the Quality Control Laboratory, with preparation, and follow up of CAPA for internal audits and Health Authority inspections, as needed.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives which positively impact cycle time, productivity, efficiency, and quality of work through Lean methodology.
• Understands and supports business needs, provide quality guidance, and facilitate resolution of quality issues in a timely manner.
• As food safety is of the highest priority at Buellton, team members are expected to maintain all food safety policies and procedures including:

• Wearing clean uniforms, hairnets and beard covers.
• Frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
• Clean neoprene gloves.
• Reporting illness to supervisor or group leader.
• Clean and sanitize tools and equipment.
• Storing tools and materials in their designated place.
• Exceptional organization and housekeeping practices.
• Vigilant food allergen practices and procedures to prevent cross contact contamination.
• Reporting any food safety concerns to prevent potential contamination and food safety hazards.
• Diligently monitoring critical control points in accordance with our food safety plans.
• Supports with FSMA Documentation.

EDUCATION & eXPERIENCE
• Required: High school diploma (or equivalent) with 5+ years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field (business/operations degree also considered)
• Demonstrated knowledge of label compliance, quality and scientific principles in a Life Science environment is desired.
TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
• Strong working knowledge of algebra and basic laboratory math (e.g., serial dilutions, concentration/volume calculations); fluency in lab/technical terminology. Computer proficiency preferred.
• Fluency in quality systems and regulatory compliance.
• Driven / Passionate about Quality performance and delivering results.
• Must have strong communication skills to nurture our food safety culture.
• Must be well-organized, detail oriented, and able to work within deadlines as well as under pressure.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Confident decision maker, self-accountability with an ability to develop and adhere to self-directed standard work.
• Drives for Superior Results
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize work, goals, and tasks in accordance with Quality and Business objectives.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
Demonstrated professionalism and collaborative communication skills (able to build trust with cross-functional partners). Business fluency/operations awareness is a plus.
PHYSICAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS
• Reliable attendance and the ability to work the scheduled shift, including overtime, are essential functions of this role
• Must be able to walk or stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to reach above shoulder level, bend/stoop, kneel, push/pull, and handle/grip frequently.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.
• Regular reaching, bending, stooping, and twisting.
• Repetitive motion and substantial movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $26.10 - $42.90. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the base pay target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
In addition to compensation, Zoetis offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports the physical, emotional and financial wellbeing of our colleagues and their families including healthcare and insurance benefits beginning on day one, a 401K plan with a match and profit-sharing contribution from Zoetis, and 4 weeks of vacation.
Visit zoetisbenefits.com to learn more.
Full time
Regular
Colleague
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