Quality Assurance Technician I

Job Purpose

Assist with implementing and supporting company standards to ensure quality specifications for packaging, raw ingredients, and finished products are met and food safety of manufactured products is upheld. Monitor and sample quality control plans and process control procedures to ensure production of finished product is to standard. 

Essential Functions 

• Perform daily QA walk-throughs; verify GMPs are followed in the facility and set example by practicing correct GMP procedures at all times 
• Monitor plant operations to ensure sanitary operational procedures are followed according to GMPs 
• Perform pre-operational inspections, monitoring for food safety and quality 
• Initiate and complete the hold process for non-conforming product, raw materials, and other materials as required; follow up and complete disposition when determined 
• Verify batch formulas and product labels ensuring activities are complete and meet specifications 
• Monitor and verify CCPs/preventive controls as required 
• Perform equipment calibration as assigned 
• Perform basic analytical testing 
• Perform environmental swabbing for bacteria and pathogens; prepare, document, and send swabs to third-party lab as required 
• Perform environmental and finished product testing for allergens 
• Collect finished product samples 
• Collect and record temperature readings 
• Identify and report food safety issues and assist in conducting investigations into food safety issues, foreign material findings, and customer complaints 
• Review production records for completion and compliance with good documentation practices 
• Execute and maintain the document and photo retention process 
• Serve as a resource to production employees for product quality, food safety, and regulatory issues 
• Attend shift change meetings to ensure information and any issues are communicated across shifts 
• Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products 
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned 

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies) 

• Associate's/Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience 
• Basic knowledge of general food safety programs and policies including government regulations 
• HACCP and PCQI certified or willing to become certified 
• Basic analytical testing knowledge 
• Basic ability to use instruments/equipment vital to completing duties (e.g., scales, thermometers, metal detectors, calculators, gauges, calipers, rulers, ovens) 
• Ability to read and understand plant SOPs, work instructions, GMPs, and safety instructions 
• Operational knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office applications 
• Basic problem-solving ability 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment 
• Ability to work varied shifts as required