Quality Assurance Validation Associate

Job Description

The QA Validation Associate supports the development, execution, and documentation of validation protocols to ensure that all equipment, manufacturing processes, cleaning procedures, and systems consistently meet quality and regulatory standards. Working under the guidance of the QA Validation Lead, this role is essential in maintaining Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ensuring our Totowa facilities remain audit-ready and compliant with food safety regulations.

• Assist in authoring and updating validation protocols for equipment, production processes, and cleaning cycles.
• Help define acceptance criteria and sampling plans based on technical inputs from Production and Engineering.
• Ensure all draft protocols align with internal SOPs and regulatory expectations before execution.
  2. Execution of Validation Trials
• Coordinate and perform on-floor validation activities, including Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ).
• Record raw data, observations, and any deviations in real-time during trials to ensure documentation integrity.
• Monitor critical control parameters to verify that equipment is operating within validated limits.
• Compile and organize data from completed trials to assist in the preparation of final validation reports.
• Identify and raise any "out of specification" results or failed criteria to the Validation Lead.
• Maintain the site validation master file and ensure all records are filed according to document control standards.
• Support the facility’s "Audit 365" posture by ensuring all validation paperwork is complete and accessible for FDA, SQF, or third-party inspections.
• Participate in internal quality audits to verify that validated states are being maintained on the production floor.
• Stay updated on current food safety trends and GMP requirements related to equipment and process qualification.
• Identify opportunities to streamline validation sampling or data collection to improve efficiency.
• Assist in training production and sanitation personnel on new validated procedures or updated SOPs.
• Support the QA team in drafting or revising SOPs related to equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Education:
  
  Associate degree in a technical field (Food Science, Engineering, Biology) or a bachelor’s degree in progress.
• Experience:
  
  1–3 years of experience in a quality or manufacturing role; experience in a regulated environment (Food, Pharma, or Med Tech) is preferred.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Basic understanding of GMP, HACCP, and the IQ/OQ/PQ framework.
• Communication:
  Strong technical writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly with cross-functional teams.
• Software:
  Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel/Word); familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS) is a plus. Working Conditions
• Environment:
  On-site manufacturing role across multiple Totowa facilities.
• Physical:
  Requires standing for extended periods during trials, wearing required PPE, and adhering to strict food safety protocols.
• Schedule:
  
  Primarily day shift, with occasional flexibility required for off-shift or weekend validation trials to minimize production downtime.

Cibo Vita is a CPG manufacturer located in Totowa, NJ, with a focus on high-quality, innovative, “better for you” snacks. Cibo Vita primarily operates under its flagship brand, Nature’s Garden, which has a national presence.