Quality Field Technician

Job Title:

Quality Field Technician

Job Description

The Quality Field Technician supports on-shift quality coordination on the manufacturing production floor to ensure that all products meet established specifications and customer expectations. This role focuses on real-time analytical testing, quality issue resolution, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices while helping to establish and maintain basic quality systems for extended shelf life (ESL) dairy-related products. The Quality Field Technician works closely with Operations to monitor key quality attributes, support problem-solving, and maintain compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

+ Achieve assigned goals related to production, safety, quality, performance, and cost.

+ Monitor the production floor and provide on-shift coordination, support, and focus for all quality-related issues.

+ Notify appropriate personnel of mechanical malfunctions to increase productivity and equipment capabilities, and identify opportunities where operators can assist in resolving concerns.

+ Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and all plant policies, rules, and regulations.

+ Provide assistance and support to all areas related to quality as assigned by the supervisor or lead.

+ Ensure technicians maintain proper focus on all quality checks and provide follow-up training when needed.

+ Perform finished pallet audits, end-of-shift product reviews, and other quality checks to verify that quality standards are met.

+ Track packaging and processing Key Quality Attributes (KQAs), identify problem areas and trends, and respond to production operators' quality questions and concerns.

+ Communicate effectively between shifts and with other departments, execute issue resolution, and escalate issues in a timely manner.

+ Communicate product disposition decisions and assist Operations with compliance to quality and specification standards.

+ Maintain accurate inventory of product in Quality Hold or retest status by performing routine cycle counts and reconciliations, and assist with cycle counts for reprocess and waste product.

+ Audit Operations paperwork for required departments to ensure timely completion and accuracy.

+ Participate in the Internal Quality Audit process to improve plant quality systems and GMP compliance.

+ Serve as a resource to Operations for auditing, updating, and documenting compliance with the Master Sanitation Schedule.

+ Conduct titration testing, verify chemical concentrations, and verify CIP (Clean-in-Place) dilution samples as needed.

+ Perform troubleshooting related to quality tests, results, or equipment as needed.

+ Perform finished product weight verifications and volumetric checks to confirm packaging accuracy.

+ Complete sensory analysis on finished products as required to assess product quality.

+ Conduct investigative research on products or materials as assigned by quality leadership.

+ Conduct ATP cleaning verification and line release processes per shift requirements.

+ Perform Environmental Swabbing as requested by Quality Assurance management.

+ Set up documentation and prepare sample shipments using proper shipping methods.

+ Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned by the supervisor or lead.

+ Remain compliant with all legal requirements related to dairy processing and safety on the assigned shift and report any concerns to the supervisor or lead.

+ Work in a safe manner, promptly report safety concerns, and take corrective actions as necessary to maintain a safe environment.

+ Report food safety problems, initiate appropriate actions, and support SQF by maintaining food safety and food quality standards.

+ Ensure work areas remain sanitary and strictly adhere to sanitation practices.

+ Report to work at scheduled times and communicate tardiness or absences to the supervisor or manager prior to the occurrence.

+ Report to work in a condition fit to perform job duties.

+ Maintain a well-groomed appearance and dress in position-appropriate attire, including compliance with GMP dress code standards.

+ Comply with performance criteria and standards of conduct as outlined in company policies and procedures.

Essential Skills

+ Ability to apply basic to complex mathematical concepts, including addition, counting, subtraction, multiplication, division, and knowledge of weights and measures, to perform job tasks accurately.

+ Basic understanding of statistics and statistical process control, with strong attention to detail.

+ Ability to understand and respond appropriately to basic and complex inquiries from employees, vendors, and customers.

+ Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a level sufficient to perform job functions.

+ Ability to operate quality and facility equipment required in the assigned area.

+ Ability to satisfactorily complete all required company training.

+ Ability to interpret company documents, literature, and UPC/code information.

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