Quality Assurance Technician

Job Title:

Quality Assurance Technician

Job Description

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 to perform and interpret physical and analytical tests such as pH, temperature, seal integrity, weight checks, and allergen and environmental testing.

+ Proficiency in documenting food safety and quality checks with attention to accuracy and completeness.

+ Ability to calibrate and operate laboratory equipment and instruments safely and effectively.

+ Strong observational skills to identify deviations in processes, facility conditions, and GMP compliance.

+ Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with production, warehouse, and FSQ team members regarding findings, corrective actions, and process improvements.

+ Capability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and follow established procedures and protocols.

+ Physical ability to…