QA Technician - HAGER

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• Perform inspections and testing activities and maintain records related to the quality control of all product manufactured within the facility, complete sanitation activities for the production areas as needed, and comply with all safety, food safety, SQF, GMP and USDA-FSIS requirements. Acts as Food Safety Representative.
• Comply with all SQF and USDA regulatory issues and food safety requirements, and act as Food Safety Representative.
• Complete a facility-wide pre‑op visual inspection to confirm sanitation status of production areas prior to beginning daily production; write up corrective actions as needed, and address and resolve issues prior to start‑up.
• Conduct Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure (SSOP) inspections twice per shift while plant is in production; complete inspection form and file.
• Communicate daily with the USDA representative, addressing all issues in a timely manner.
• Review certificates of analysis for all received raw goods.
• Assist stuffing room operators with brine set‑up; take water samples and maintain hourly salt/brine log tracking to specification.
• Ensure compliance with the HACCP plan by completing periodic net weight checks, color readings, perfect package checks, hourly temperature checks, hourly metal detector checks, drive‑unit/water temperature checks, salt pH/temperature checks, and assisting with smoke tests as needed.
• Collect product samples during the production run; conduct length/weight analyses, periodic sensory evaluations and complete appropriate forms.
• Collect and package product samples for testing by Food Safety Net Service (FSNS) daily; complete sample submission forms.
• Check metal detector rejections and leaker logs for completeness and maintain file.
• Calibrate test equipment (pH meter, colorimeter, thermometers, etc.) and verify scales for accuracy throughout the facility.
• Monitor the cooler temperatures daily.
• Complete pathogen swabs and water sample checks periodically.
• Collect in‑process cook/chill data using a data logger probe weekly; download data from probe to spreadsheet for review and analysis.
• Maintain reprocessed product logs, entering process/reprocess date and new code date into the system, and maintaining files.
• Collect information and documentation related to foreign material incidents.
• Assist with the decision to place product on QA hold or remove from hold as necessary; send hold notifications, complete appropriate forms and update the hold log.
• Participate in organoleptics to evaluate product for extended shelf life, formulation changes, etc.
• Ensure partner compliance with all good manufacturing practices (GMP) as required.
• Follow all lockout/tag‑out procedures without fail.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations per established company policies.
• Support the lean manufacturing initiatives of the company.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

A minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalency is normally required. An associate's degree in quality or related field is preferred.

Previous quality experience in a USDA‑FSIS regulated food manufacturing environment would also be preferred. If non‑degreed, must normally have a minimum of 6 months experience as a production line worker with backup QA experience.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have a strong attention to detail and be able to work with a high degree of accuracy. Must be able to work in a fast‑paced environment and with changing environmental conditions, including heat, cold and wet.

• Communication skills:
  Must possess strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Computer skills:
  Must possess basic computer proficiencies in a Windows environment, preferably with Word, Excel, and Outlook. Previous internet experience and MAS 500 or related integrated…