QA Tech - Production

Job Title

Technician 2, Food Safety and Quality Assurance – Facility

Chicago Heights, IL – 3rd shift (9:30 pm to 6:am)

FSQA Supervisor

The Technician II, FSQA–Facility is primarily responsible for protecting the food by conducting food safety and quality sampling, testing, and maintaining documentation and all regulatory and customer requirements. The role requires identifying possible defects, making real‑time, accurate decisions that may affect order fulfillment, and having the authority to place a “hold” on food‑based or equipment‑based operations in case of non‑conformance. The technician also assists the Facility Team on all internal and external observation audits.

• Understand Food Safety and Quality Objectives and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards (e.g., BRC, SQF).
• Verify compliance with all relevant regulations, including GREAT KITCHENS, international, national, state, and local food regulations.
• Identify and resolve non‑conforming raw materials, semi‑finished, and finished products.
• Perform quality trainings and support FSQA Tech 1.
• Report food safety and quality non‑conformances and deviations to the FSQA Manager and/or Supervisor.
• Place food on hold physically and in the inventory system for further evaluation.
• Communicate any human, food, or equipment safety concerns to supervision immediately.
• Participate in effective Food Safety Plans focusing on elimination of biological, chemical, physical, and economically motivated hazards.
• Verify key preventive control and CCP records, conduct sensory, physical, and packaging evaluations.
• Conduct sampling, testing, and documentation following procedures and record‑keeping requirements.
• Understand and verify 21 CFR 117 Subpart B Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and related programs.
• Perform pre‑operational inspections and report any non‑conformances.
• Participate in monthly Facility observation audits and cross‑functional committees.
• Engage in Environmental Monitoring Programs, including swab and ATP sampling.
• Verify finished food case labels, QAP, and product visual aids.
• Validate net weight policy, MAV limits, lot traceability, packaging coding, and recipe verification.
• Ensure proper document control and record completion procedures.
• Maintain control of cross‑traffic (Raw to RTE) and follow traffic plans and zoning maps.
• Complete required annual training and maintain Alchemy training.
• Provide clear communication of food safety and quality issues during shift changes.
• Other duties as may be assigned or volunteered for.

• Effective work ethic and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience with equipment and food knowledge.
• Ability to operate scales, metal detectors, ovens, and other instrumentation.
• High School Diploma; reading, writing, and math skills.
• Proficient computer skills including inventory system, MS Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Team member skills and strong communication, writing, analytical, and critical‑thinking abilities.
• Some college science courses or experience in the food industry.
• Knowledge of HARPC (Hazard Analysis and Risk‑Based Preventive Controls) and GFSI standards such as BRC or SQF.
• 2‑3 years of related experience for the required qualifications.

• Lift/carry up to 50 lbs., with or without assistance.
• Stand, walk, climb stairs, twist, bend, stoop, push, pull, handle, and feel.

The work environment includes hot, cold, wet, frozen, dusty, and loud conditions, frequent proximity to moving mechanical parts, and the need to maintain a clean and organized work area. Employees must comply with all personnel safety policies and procedures, use PPE as required, follow work instructions and SOPs, and work different shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.

• Report any issues regarding food safety or quality to supervision and/or quality assurance.
• Report any risks or any evidence of unsafe or out‑of‑specification product, equipment, packaging, or raw materials.
• Proficiency in Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Great Kitchens Food Manufacturing.