Quality Assurance Technician

Job Summary

The QA Tech conducts various checks and tests of raw, in-process, and finished products and/or processes to verify production of high-quality product, to successfully meet the demands of our customers.  This role follows regulatory requirements while adhering to standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and internal policies to ensure compliance of quality & food safety standards as established by the QA department.

Job Responsibilities

• Uphold all safety practices to prevent injury from unsafe work practices and/or conditions.  Report all safety hazards or potential hazards to the safety team representative and management.
• Monitor and perform plant sanitation, housekeeping and personal hygiene as outlined by Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for food processing facilities in CFR (Title 21, part 117) and current company policies.
• Perform standardized quality samplings and audits during production; organize collected data into electronic logbooks, databases, and report variances and non-conformities to plant management.
• Follow all required work instructions, work aids and documents as they pertain to Quality, Environment, Safety, and Food Safety.
• Understand, monitor and act accordingly to support ISO-GFSI compliance, FDA-FSMA regulatory requirements, Food Safety & Quality programs as implemented by the company.  This individual has the authority and responsibility to stop production should the product be out of specification and/or observed food safety or compliance breach.
• Performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of incoming, in process and finished materials using standardized procedures.  These checks may include, but are not limited to Sensory, pH, Titratable Acidity, Brix, Carbon Dioxide, Density, Total Dissolved Solids, Microbiological Sampling, and testing, etc.
• Conduct package quality inspection and quality audits and isolate product that does not meet standards.
• Standardize and calibrate laboratory equipment, troubleshoot systems, equipment, and processes for the department.
• Assist the Quality Assurance management team with any projects as designated.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement opportunities, lean practices, six sigma, 5S, food safety, environmental and plant safety programs.
• Pursue excellence; continuously develop technical and personal skills to achieve plant-wide world class manufacturing environment.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of one year of work experience required.
• Prior experience in production and/or manufacturing or as a lab technician preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in a positive and engaged team atmosphere.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Familiarity with lab safety and handling of hazardous materials. Must be able to read, write, and speak English to properly understand and relay important safety and quality information.
• Capable of working well with others and maintaining excellent interdepartmental relationships.
• Readily accepts instruction from management and supervisors and executes effectively.
• Must be able to take initiative and work independently at times.
• Needs to be reliable and open to a flexible schedule.
• Strong computer comprehension capabilities, including Word, Excel, and various quality system applications.
• Prior experience using a forklift and order picker preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Acute Vision: Constantly (observing both near and far, reading documents)
• Speaking: Constantly (investigates, negotiates, recommends, reports, etc.)
• Typing/texting: Frequently using a keyboard/phone for day-to-day business (email, reports)
• Mobility: Occasional travel throughout the plant and office environment.
• Lifting: Occasionally lift 15 pounds or less (laptop, tablet, handheld devices)