QA Technician

Purpose Statement

The QA Technician's purpose is to assure food safety through HACCP compliance monitoring, implementing corrective actions and reporting of deviations to the QA Manager.  This is a 2nd Shift role.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

• Document test results, communicate deviations with management and co-associates.
• Review data and direct follow-up of product testing deviations and trends to meet customer requirements.
• Conduct product and process capability studies as directed by QA Manager or designate.
• Perform QA tasks including product sampling, line monitoring, auditing, lab testing and calibrations to ensure compliance to specifications.
• Coordinate lab operation, raw material, finished product and audit analytical data and reports for process improvements.
• Audit laboratory testing, analytical test methods and protocols for Compliance with Standard Operating Procedure and Quality Assurance Agreement.
• Reviewing and approving deviation, investigations, and corrective and preventive action that is associated with analytical laboratories.
• Review and audit of microbiological testing and sanitation cleaning inspection reports.
• Place ingredients and finished goods on hold, as directed by the QA Manager/QA Team Leader.
• Investigate the root cause of defects in raw and finished products and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain and promote a quality culture through training
• Maintain a well-organized and clean work area.
• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies for lab Audit laboratory testing, analytical test methods and protocols for Compliance with Standard Operating Procedure and Quality Assurance Agreement
• Coordinate timely hold and disposition of raw ingredients, packaging materials and finished product.
• Utilize PLM, QDMS, SAP and Minitab in support of business processes.
• Submit written reports on overall compliance, deviations and corrective actions implemented.
• Understanding of Acidified Foods and compliance to all federal guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, chemistry or biology related field required. Related work experience preferred but not required.
• Chemistry work related: Water activity., Free fatty acid testing; Viscosity, ; PH effect on Food; Brix, Concentration; Moisture analyses; allergen tests, Flour testing attributes,
• Microbiology work related: Knowledge of pathogens and its growth characteristics as it relates to food manufacturing and the facility. Bacterial growth requirement; Bacterial identification; Growth morphology; Temperature growth requirement; Bacterial food source.
• One year experience in commercial food processing preferred.
• PC skills to include strong knowledge of Windows operating system, and applications to include Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of statistics and use of software packages.
• Knowledge of Database systems preferred.
• Ability to constructively deal with change and pressure. Willing to continue training/ education as necessary.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to operate powered equipment
• Ability to use a full range of motion in both arms, hands, and legs.
• Ability to taste.
• Ability to operate normal laboratory equipment.
• Must have understanding of microbiological contaminates.
• Must have complete understanding of shortenings, sugars, starches, gums, and particulates.