Quality Control Technician / Engineer
About us
Vow is a cultured meat company on a mission to feed billions and create food that’s good for your tastebuds, your health and your planet.
We’re bringing together cutting edge innovations in science, engineering, culinary and design to create new meats that meat lovers can choose selfishly because it’s nutritious and delicious, and we’re doing so in a sustainable way.
The role
This is an exciting opportunity focused on novel products. As a Quality Control Technician, you’ll play a hands-on role in ensuring the safety and quality of Vow’s products. Sitting within the Quality team, you’ll be responsible for executing QC testing, maintaining accurate records and traceability, and supporting the execution of our quality systems with precision and care. You’ll work closely with manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and product development stakeholders across the company.
This is a great role for someone early in their career who has strong analytical foundations, genuine attention to detail, and a desire to grow within quality and food safety. Your day-to-day will include sample processing, phys-chem and analytical testing, laboratory maintenance, data analysis and management, as well as supporting the execution of Vow’s quality systems — all contributing directly to our ability to consistently produce safe, high-quality products.
You’ll receive guidance and mentorship from your manager, but we expect you to take ownership of your workstreams and progressively build toward greater independence. This role is also a strong jumping-off point into other types of analytical work as Vow expands into new categories.
The experience and skills you’ll bring
Required
A degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, food science, or a related analytical/scientific field.
Hands-on laboratory or analytical experience- this could be through an internship, honours project, Cert III/IV in lab skills, or similar. We’re open to fresh graduates with relevant practical experience and strong growth potential.
Exceptional attention to detail. You take pride in accuracy, whether it’s a test result, a data entry, or a calibration record.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to share updates clearly and adjust your style depending on your audience. Your comms should be reliable, timely, and easy to follow - even under pressure.
A problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset - you spot issues early and come to your manager with potential solutions, not just problems.
Ability to work independently with self-drive, while knowing when to ask for guidance.
Strong time management and organisation skills - you can manage routine tasks reliably while adapting when priorities shift.
Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team with multiple stakeholders.
Nice to have
Experience in food safety, food manufacturing, or a food-related lab environment.
Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, or quality management systems.
Exposure to microbiological testing techniques.
Experience with data entry and analysis tools.
What you’ll do
Collect and prepare samples across raw materials, cell mass, and finished goods
Perform phys-chem testing and analytical calculations with a high level of accuracy and consistency
Coordinate external testing with laboratories, ensuring clear communication and timely sample management
Analyse test results and communicate batch release outcomes to key stakeholders
Maintain accurate, up-to-date QC records, including data entry, analysis, and traceability documentation
Set up and coordinate sensory panels
Perform non-routine or investigative testing as required
Maintain the QC laboratory, including instrument calibration, equipment upkeep, and general housekeeping
Support the implementation and maintenance of Vow’s Quality Management System (QMS) and HACCP program
Assist with internal GMP audits and routine compliance activities across production
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within QC and the broader Quality team
Use AI tools to improve personal productivity and quality of work, with guidance on where and how to apply them
What success looks like
Within your first month
You’ve integrated into the Quality team and are building a strong understanding of Vow’s products, processes, and QC testing protocols. You’re building relationships across teams and beginning to perform day-to-day QC testing with guidance from your team. You’re developing confidence in testing workflows and data handling. You’re starting to support the execution of Vow’s quality systems.
By three months
You’re confidently executing QC testing with a high level of accuracy and consistency. You’re maintaining reliable, up-to-date records and communicating results clearly to stakeholders. You’ve started taking ownership of defined QC workflows and can run them independently with minimal guidance. You’re identifying and flagging issues early, and contributing to small improvements within the team. You’re proactively supporting the maintenance of Vow’s quality frameworks.
By twelve months
You’ve made meaningful contributions to the quality control process and are a reliable, trusted part of the Quality team. You’re working autonomously on routine QC work, consistently delivering accurate results, and actively contributing to the improvement and robustness of our Quality systems. You’ve built strong cross-functional relationships and are seen as someone who takes pride in the quality of their work.
Who we are and why join
We are building a diverse, mission-led dream team of “Vowzers.” Our mission is to make food products for everyone. To do that well we need a workforce that’s representative of the people we serve. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view- so we’re building a culture to match. Be yourself and come as you are.
Work on cutting-edge technology. We’re bringing together cutting-edge innovations in science, engineering, and food, to recreate the world’s most tantalising and unique culinary experiences. All without compromising on ethics or our planet along the way.
Work with and learn from the best. Our team includes some of the world’s top scientists, innovators, operators, and creatives with decades of industry experience. We all strive to build, break, learn, and repeat.
We’re fully funded and ready to go. We are a growing Aussie biotech start-up backed by Blackbird Ventures, Square Peg Capital, Grok Ventures, Tenacious Ventures, P7 Ventures, Toyota Ventures, and PeakBridge VC.
Vow perks and benefits
Everyone is an owner. In addition to competitive base salaries, each and every ‘Vowzer’ owns equity in the company so we can all benefit from our hard work and future success.
Generous paid parental leave. We offer 8 weeks of paid caregiver leave and an additional 8 weeks paid leave for the birth giver.
Generous relocation budget & support. Support for interstate or overseas team members and their families.
Unlimited personal leave. At Vow we recognise that sometimes sh*t happens. We don’t want you to stress about work when you need to deal with an emergency or are struggling with something truly difficult. We offer unlimited personal leave to empower you to truly bring your best self to work every single day.
Heaps of tasty samples from our culinary centre. Our fantastic “food inventors” on the Vow team are always cooking up new product prototypes, and all Vowzers are given the opportunity to taste, give feedback, and learn from their culinary prowess.
An awesome converted warehouse “campus” in Alexandria. Complete with a glass-walled lab, 2 factories, shower and towel service, bike rack, free snacks, a culinary centre and plenty of collaboration and chill zones.
Human and dog friendly office! An inclusive community and culture, in a welcoming office, complete with friendly “Vowzer” dogs!
A variety of social clubs. We encourage all our Vowzers to build the culture with us and share what you love by creating social clubs across the business. From book clubs to hiking groups, we’re always looking for ways to learn and engage with our team.