Quality Technician

Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet, providing state‑of‑the‑art solutions and the finest quality products for a range of industries worldwide. Our corporate headquarters is in Montvale, New Jersey and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the US and Europe.

Founded in 1967, Balchem is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ – “BCPC”) with annual revenues over $640 million and a market cap exceeding $3.0 billion. The company consists of three business segments:
Human Nutrition & Health;
Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. Balchem employs over 1,400 people worldwide who are engaged in diverse activities, committed to developing the company into global market leadership positions.

The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician supports manufacturing operations through carrying out activities to verify compliance with the site Quality Management System (QMS), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Product Specifications. They work with the cross‑functional site team to meet or exceed the personnel safety, food safety, and food quality goals of the company. This position exemplifies a positive culture that encourages continuous improvement and collaboration.

Position is for Sleepy Eye, MN office/on‑site. Shift is 3 pm‑11 pm.

Pay range: $19‑$22 per hour plus shift differential (based on experience).

• Perform daily tasks such as monitoring employee documentation, reporting quality issues, verifying critical control points, checking weights, calibrating scales, probes, thermometers, moisture analyzers, and other lab equipment.
• Ensure employee compliance with allergen procedures, GMPs, SSOPs and the Food Safety Plan (HAACP).
• Assist in the performance of weekly environmental swabs and monthly plant, glass, brittle plastic, and ceramic inspections.
• Conduct pre‑operational activities.
• Test and evaluate raw material and finished product.
• Write HOLD tags and assign and/or assist with the disposition of product.
• Review finished production folders as part of the positive release program.
• Maintain department safety rules compliance and serve as a positive safety role model.
• Ensure an organized, clean and safe work environment.
• Follow all food‑safety practices and processes applicable to the department.
• Execute requirements of the company QMS.
• Monitor and maintain all food‑safety activities as part of daily tasks.
• Enforce the food‑safety plan while producing product.
• Promote food safety and quality to all departments.
• Support and assist the manufacturing teams to meet customer and product quality performance requirements.
• Implement department QMS requirements and strive to promote a world‑class quality organization.
• Represent the quality team and QA issues to all internal and external customers in a timely manner.
• Communicate non‑conformances and lead root‑cause analysis investigations followed by corrective action.
• Exhibit a clear sense of urgency and ability to manage priorities to meet immediate needs and long‑term goals.
• Manage time and workload efficiently, prioritizing and modifying priorities as needed.
• Have strong safety, food‑safety, and quality orientation and the ability to promote these standards in a cross‑functional environment.
• Self‑motivate and work independently, providing support and training to employees on all shifts.
• Troubleshoot and provide QA‑centered solutions in a cross‑functional team environment and lead a CAPA process.
• Develop others in a team environment.
• Respect other cultures/backgrounds and work in a multicultural workplace.
• Learn, practice, and improve documented work procedures.
• Function effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills sufficient to discuss, develop, and implement plans.
• Show high sensitivity to quality and on‑time delivery of materials and services.

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing operations and equipment.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical operations in all units of measure.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Adaptability in team or individual settings to achieve company goals.
• Strong communication, problem‑solving, and attention to detail skills.
• Punctuality and dependability in all aspects of work.
• Ability to lift 50 lb and stand, walk, sit and reach with hands and arms.
• Familiarity with SQF, FDA (FSMA), HACCP and other regulatory and industry guidelines and requirements.
• PCQI and HACCP certification desired.