Product Quality Lab Technician

This role provides hands-on support to the Product Quality and Product Development teams by managing a product retains library, conducting weekly product evaluations, and contributing to continuous improvement of product quality. The Product Quality Lab Technician prepares and evaluates food products, analyzes data and customer feedback, and helps ensure that products meet quality, safety, and customer satisfaction standards.

• Manage first production retains, including proper storage, cataloging, and organization of samples.
• Lead the cooking, preparation, and presentation of samples for weekly end-of-shelf-life evaluations.
• Conduct independent product quality evaluations to assess sensory attributes, product performance, and consistency.
• Perform store walks to investigate potential product quality issues and gather real-world observations.
• Report evaluation results, investigation findings, and trend insights to internal stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
• Maintain, clean, and organize the product quality lab, equipment, and retains library to ensure a safe and efficient workspace.
• Update and help improve lab policies, procedures, and documentation to reflect current practices and standards.
• Perform miscellaneous product quality and administrative duties as needed to support the Product Quality team.
• Analyze customer feedback, identify trends, and contribute to root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts.
• Collaborate closely with Product Quality and Product Development teams to support initiatives that enhance product performance and customer satisfaction.

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Quality Assurance, or a related field from an accredited university.
• 1–2 years of experience working in the consumer-packaged goods industry or a laboratory setting.
• Experience with food preparation, laboratory work, or consumer-packaged goods product handling.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously and deliver against rapid timelines.
• Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to anticipate team needs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to excel in team settings.
• Computer proficiency and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Good typing skills with a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience in data analysis, particularly in root cause problem solving.
• Comfort working with lab equipment and following general laboratory techniques.
• Understanding of basic food safety principles and food handling best practices.

• Experience in product development and/or quality assurance.
• Understanding of and experience in general food or manufacturing processing and laboratory techniques.
• A passion for food and strong culinary skills, including cooking and food preparation.
• Experience working with consumer feedback and translating insights into actionable recommendations.
• Familiarity with Smartsheet or similar project and data management tools.
• Ability to conduct structured store walks and translate observations into quality insights.
• Strong analytical mindset with an interest in root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Comfort working in a customer-facing environment when needed, including presenting findings and participating in cross-functional discussions.

This position is primarily on-site in a product quality laboratory and office setting, with at least two days per week in the office and potential flexibility for one remote day. The role involves frequent hands-on work in a lab environment, including cooking, food preparation, and handling of various grocery products across the store. You will use standard lab equipment, kitchen equipment, and computer-based tools such as the Microsoft Office suite and, when applicable, Smartsheet or similar platforms. The environment supports collaborative work with cross-functional teams and offers opportunities to perform root cause analysis, test a wide range of products, and dive deeply into how to improve product quality. Dress is expected to be appropriate for a lab and food preparation setting, which may include practical, clean, and safe attire consistent with food safety and laboratory standards.

This is a Contract position based out of Austin, TX.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.