Applications Technician – Dairy / Fermented Products

We are working with a global food ingredients business that is looking for an Applications Technician to join their Sydney-based innovation lab.

This is a hands-on role supporting dairy applications work across yoghurt, fresh fermented dairy, cheese and related products. It would suit someone with practical food lab, pilot plant, dairy, fermentation, product development or QA/QC experience who enjoys bench work, sample preparation, trials, basic testing and supporting a technical team.

The role is offered as an initial 6-month contract with a clear view to extend, with longer-term opportunities potentially available for the right person.

About the role:
You will work closely with the applications team and support day-to-day lab and pilot plant activity, including:

• Preparing dairy, yoghurt, cheese and fermented product samples according to recipes and trial plans
• Supporting prototype creation and product trials across dairy and fermented products
• Operating pilot plant and lab equipment after training, including equipment such as homogenisers, incubators, autoclaves, water baths, Ultra-Turrax, pH meters and viscometers
• Carrying out basic microbiological and chemical checks on finished products
• Organising and running sensory testing for prepared samples
• Managing ingredients, raw materials, stock inventory, ordering, shipping and receiving
• Recording results clearly and assisting with reports, presentations and trial documentation
• Supporting customer workshops, innovation days and internal technical projects
• Maintaining good hygiene, GMP and food safety standards across the lab and pilot plant

About you:
You do not need to have done this exact role before, but you do need genuine hands-on food, dairy or lab experience and be comfortable working in a practical support role.
Ideally, you will bring:

• A qualification in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, Dairy Science, Microbiology or a related discipline
• Around 2+ years’ experience in a food lab, pilot plant, product development, applications, QA/QC or food manufacturing environment
• Exposure to yoghurt, cheese, fermented dairy or cultured products would be highly regarded
• Good understanding of GMP, hygiene and food safety expectations
• Confidence following recipes, trial methods and technical instructions accurately
• Clear communication skills and the ability to explain observations, issues and results
• Good attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate records
• A practical, team-focused attitude with a willingness to take feedback, learn and support others
• Enough confidence and initiative to contribute quickly in a contract role

This is a good opportunity for someone still developing their technical career, but who already has enough practical food or dairy experience to be useful in a busy applications lab.

How to apply:
If you have hands-on dairy, fermented product, food lab, pilot plant or food manufacturing experience and this sounds like the type of role you are looking for, please apply with your current resume.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Michael Burne at Bayside Group via mburne@baysidegroup.com.au.