Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance Technician

The Quality Assurance Technician plays a key role in monitoring, supporting, and ensuring daily compliance with food safety and quality requirements. This position leads by example in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement, and demonstrates a strong willingness to step outside of their comfort zone to take on new challenges and expand their knowledge in food safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform regular physical inspections and analytical testing of products and processes to verify food safety and quality, including assessments of color, pH, seal integrity, temperature, date codes, X-ray monitoring, weight checks, label accuracy, allergen controls, and cleanliness.
• Document all food safety and quality checks accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring records meet internal and regulatory standards.
• Ensure all stakeholders follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), good housekeeping practices, and company policies and procedures throughout the facility.
• Execute product hold and release procedures by thoroughly reviewing and assessing food safety and quality, providing feedback and guidance on corrective actions when non-conformance issues arise.
• Perform pre-operation inspections of line equipment and processing environments at the start of shifts or during line changeovers, including environmental testing such as ATP and allergen tests.
• Collect retain samples from production lines and conduct product evaluations at the end of the product shelf life.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment at defined frequencies and maintain accurate calibration records.
• Take appropriate actions to correct deviations or promptly notify the Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Manager when issues are identified.
• Act as a key monitor for reinforcing GMPs across plant and warehouse facilities by performing direct observations of facility and processing conditions during production.
• Address GMP discrepancies with the appropriate departments and follow up to ensure corrective actions are implemented and effective.
• Lead GMP by example, reinforcing best practices during operating hours and conducting GMP inspections of assigned areas, communicating findings and actions taken.
• Support preparation for third-party audits, including FDA, USDA, Organic, SQF, and customer audits, by following documented protocols and assisting with required documentation and readiness activities.
• Audit food safety and quality records completed by operators to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Maintain laboratory and work areas in an organized, clean, and safe condition.
• Identify opportunities to improve current methods, processes, and documentation, and make recommendations to the FSQ Manager.
• Demonstrate adaptability by responding appropriately to unexpected changes in production, processes, or priorities.
• Actively seek to develop technical knowledge by learning from peers and engaging in ongoing growth and development opportunities.
• Serve as a backup for the FSQ Lead and other FSQ team members during their absence, ensuring continuity of food safety and quality activities.
• Assist in delivering new hire and refresher training on food safety and quality topics to reinforce standards and expectations.
• Participate in mock recalls and mock product withdrawal sessions to support traceability and crisis readiness.
• Support the FSQ Department in continuous improvement efforts and follow up on the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Keep the FSQ Manager informed about issues, trends, and opportunities for improvement related to food safety and quality.
• Assist with special in-plant or laboratory projects as assigned, contributing technical support and documentation as needed.

Essential Skills

• Experience in quality assurance within a food manufacturing or food science environment.
• Working knowledge of food science principles and their application in production and quality control.
• Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and their practical implementation on the production floor.
• Ability…