Quality Assurance Technician

Overview

Culture Fresh Foods, Inc is a Dairy and Non-Dairy processing facility headquartered in Naugatuck, CT. The facility produces a wide range of dairy and plant-based spoonable and spreadable cultured and ESL (extended shelf life) products for private label, co-pack and under its own brand.

Quality Assurance Technician

Location: Naugatuck, CT, US

Job Title: Quality Assurance Technician

Department: Quality Assurance

Reports To: Quality Assurance Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The Quality Assurance Technician plays a critical role in ensuring product safety and quality by performing microbiological, chemical, and physical testing of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), finished goods (FG), and equipment. The technician ensures that all activities comply with regulatory requirements and Company standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and the Company’s food safety and quality programs.

The position is managed and directly reports to the Quality Assurance Manager of the Company.

• Coordinate sampling activities in alignment with the production schedule.
• Manage monitoring, calibration, and verification plans.
• Organize and schedule retesting, water sampling, reference tests, chemical titration, and laboratory cleaning.
• Maintain and update laboratory work instructions.
• Act as a departmental representative on cross-functional teams and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Liaise regularly with the QA Manager and interdepartmental staff (e.g., production, shipping, procurement, maintenance).
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Quality Assurance Manager.

• Performed microbiological, chemical, and physical testing on raw materials, in-process materials, and finished goods per the sampling plan.
• Conduct organoleptic (sensory) evaluation of finished products.
• Perform and document analyses of CIP (Clean-in-Place) cleaning solutions.
• Conduct and document equipment calibration, verification, and environmental monitoring activities.
• Handle customer sample shipping and water sample collection/shipping as scheduled.
• Conduct in-plant verification checks (e.g., weight, temperatures) and record findings.
• Observe production lines to ensure compliance with GMPs and report recurring issues to QA management.
• Verify compliance with product specifications and alert QA Manager of any deviations.
• Participate in product trials and initial production runs, providing QA support.
• Propose and implement corrective actions to improve food safety and quality.
• Keep the QA Manager informed of key developments and actions taken during daily activities.
• Always wear appropriate laboratory and safety gear.

• Participate in traceability exercises and mock recalls.
• Conduct workflow improvements and perform specialized lab tasks as assigned.
• Verify and update work instructions, records, logs, and QA-related systems.
• Maintain accurate data in the non-conformity tracking system.

• Maintain good safety and food quality through completing job tasks and maintaining the work area in a sanitary manner.
• Required to wear food safety and sanitation clothing and PPE.
• This position necessitates conformance to personal hygiene regulations.
• Report food safety problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.
• Ensure all programs are being upheld and documentation is current.

• Degree in food science, microbiology, or a related food industry discipline (e.g., food technology).
• Several years of experience in a quality or lab role within the food or dairy industry preferred.
• Strong background in microbiology, analytical methods, and food technology.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to guide lab operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across departments and with a diverse, multilingual workforce.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Adaptability to dynamic environments and operational changes.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Must pass a company pre-employment background, physical, and drug screen prior to commencing work.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands and stretch and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb ladders and work at heights of up to 100 feet, or balance and smell.
  
  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must have full range of body motion.
• While performing in this role the individual is regularly exposed to work near…