QC Tech

Job Title:

Quality Control Technician (Food Laboratory)

Job Description

The Quality Control Technician ensures that all food safety and quality parameters are consistently met by performing laboratory testing, line monitoring, and product evaluations in a food manufacturing environment. This role focuses on maintaining accurate testing procedures, calibrating equipment, and documenting results in accordance with established food safety programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Standard Operating Procedures.

Responsibilities

+ Ensure all parameters of food safety and quality are adhered to and maintained in the laboratory and designated production areas.

+ Calibrate laboratory and production line equipment to ensure accurate and reliable test results.

+ Collect in-process and finished product samples and perform standardized qualitative and quantitative testing to verify they meet specifications.

+ Perform and record product evaluation tests in accordance with HACCP plans, Standard Operating Procedures, and other food safety and quality programs.

+ Accurately document and record all required information in the computer system in accordance with established procedures.

+ Conduct ATP testing as part of the allergen control program to support sanitation and allergen management.

+ Perform microbiological testing on products and samples as required.

+ Maintain and organize a retain sample library to support traceability and quality investigations.

+ Recognize quality deficiencies and initiate appropriate follow-up actions, including communication and documentation.

+ Identify and isolate product that does not meet established standards and ensure proper hold procedures are followed.

+ Perform quality control tasks including product sampling, line monitoring, auditing, laboratory testing, and equipment calibration to ensure compliance with specifications.

+ Hold products that do not meet company quality standards and provide appropriate dispositions in line with company procedures.

+ Understand and interpret all information contained within product specification sheets.

+ Maintain thorough knowledge of the quality characteristics and requirements for the products being packaged.

+ Conduct laboratory testing procedures such as brix, refractive index, pH, density, sensory evaluations, weights, and moisture testing.

+ Operate and maintain laboratory instruments including pH meters, viscosity meters, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS), and UV/visual measurement equipment.

+ Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety regulations, and all Standard Operating Procedures at all times.

+ Wear required personal protective equipment, including a half-face respirator when working with specific chemicals in production.

+ Collaborate with production and quality teams to support continuous operations across multiple shifts and days of the week.

+ Support weekend production needs by working scheduled weekend shifts as part of a rotating schedule.

Essential Skills

+ Experience in quality control or laboratory work within a food manufacturing or related environment.

+ Proficiency in conducting laboratory tests such as brix, refractive index, pH, density, sensory evaluations, weights, and moisture testing.

+ Ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment including pH meters, viscosity meters, gas chromatography systems, and UV/visual measurement instruments.

+ Strong understanding of food safety principles, HACCP plans, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Standard Operating Procedures.

+ Ability to accurately document test results and maintain records in both written and computerized systems.

+ Attention to detail and ability to recognize and respond to quality deficiencies in products and processes.

+ Capability to interpret and apply information from product specification sheets.

+ Ability to wear a half-face respirator when working with specific chemicals, in accordance with safety requirements.

+ Willingness and ability to work evenings, some weekends, and a 6-day workweek as needed to support production demands.

+ Strong commitment to working in and remaining within the food industry.

+ Effective communication skills to collaborate with production, quality, and laboratory personnel.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ AA, BA, or BS degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.

+ OR at least 1 year of food quality control experience with specific laboratory testing responsibilities (brix, refractive index, pH, density,…