QA Technician

Location(s):

United States of America

City/Cities:

Northampton

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

No

Job Posting End Date:

May 25, 2025

Shift:

Job Description Summary:

•Perform laboratory tests (e.g., microbiological, calibration, chemical, sensory) in order to determine that raw materials, packaging and manufactured products meet the Company’s quality standards and specifications.

•Prepare samples and sampling plan for ingredients, intermediate or finished products, or other materials in order to perform analyses (e.g., chemical, physical, sensory, microbiological).

•Process incoming or outgoing equipment (e.g., verify external calibration paperwork is correct, ship instruments for external calibrations).

•Perform chemical analyses using instrumental methods in order to determine the composition of samples.

•Evaluate ingredients, products or packaging materials via visual inspection or by measuring weight, density, stress, dimensions, torque, strength, etc. in order to determine physical properties of samples and compliance with standards.

•Prepare standards or standard curves to perform quantitative analyses.

•Interpret data from routine and non-routine analyses in order to validate that laboratory equipment meets specifications.

•Provide the framework and tools for ensuring the quality and integrity of products.

•Perform statistical process control on required plant equipment and processes in order to monitor quality of finished products, packages and ingredients.

•Prepare and maintain (e.g., calibrate, ensure proper performance, verify condition) all equipment used in the Quality process prior to use in order to ensure correct performance. Audit equipment records to ensure external and internal verification and calibrations are properly maintained.

•Report process data to supervisor to assure quality of material released for distribution.

•Perform data transactions for instrumentation by using facility information systems to ensure traceability.

•Support new products and/or business innovations by performing product trial runs and protocol studies as needed.

•Perform line checks to ensure product and packaging meet specifications.

•Operate all lab testing instruments and create, maintain and refine related documentation.

•Document all operational parameters.

•Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices, Safety Policies and Procedures.

•Training of new associates.

•Ability to cross train in different responsibilities of the QA department.

•Control chemical inventory through FIFO

•Clean and sanitize equipment, or any other areas as needed.

•Any other duties as assigned to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of products, processes and work environment.

Job Profile:

Technical Skills

The following is a list of the top Technical skills needed for the job.

•Quality Assurance – Knowledge and application of quality cost analysis, inspection, corrective action planning, customer and consumer satisfaction tracking and internal monitoring to detect and correct non-conforming information, materials or processes. Knowledge of the principles systems and costs associated with product quality. Knowledge of the methods and techniques used during quality monitoring and auditing. Ability to use software and statistical techniques to aid in quality control.

•Clean In Place – Knowledge of the Company’s Clean-in-Place (CIP) policies and procedures and the ability to perform the associated tasks (e.g., physically entering tanks, heavy lifting, handling large hoses and hot water.)

•Food Safety Regulations – Knowledge of the company, local, national and international food safety regulatory requirements that apply to company locations or processes and the actions required to keep the Company in compliance with these regulations.

•Food/Flavor Chemistry – Basic knowledge of the organic chemistry of ingredients and flavor compounds that are used in Company products.

•Good Manufacturing Practices – Knowledge of the basic elements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a manufacturing environment and the ability to apply them.

•Lab Safety – Knowledge of government lab safety regulations, including hazardous materials, OSHA and chemical hygiene policies. Includes knowledge of procedures for safe handling of chemicals and glassware, use of personal protective equipment and adhering to Company safety rules. Knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices (e.g., housekeeping, handling chemicals and glassware, preparing standards and reagents proper measuring techniques).

•Laboratory Testing – Knowledge of ingredients, packaging and equipment laboratory test procedure