Quality Assurance Technician; Wichita

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for verifying product quality, food safety compliance, and sanitation effectiveness throughout production. This role supports production by completing required inspections, testing, documentation review, product release activities, holds, sample management, and audit support.

This position plays a key role in maintaining food safety, customer compliance, traceability, and audit readiness across Blend Tech operations.

• High school diploma or GED required. Associate degree or coursework in food science, biology, microbiology, quality, or related field preferred. Equivalent food manufacturing quality experience will be considered.

• Food manufacturing QA experience preferred.
• Experience with GMP, HACCP, SQF, sanitation, or allergen control preferred.
• Computer and documentation experience required.
• Experience with MRP, inventory, or quality systems preferred.

• Perform hourly quality checks and verification activities.
• Complete load check offs and verification activities.
• Review and verify work order completions on daily schedules.
• Complete organoleptic checks on product samples turned in after each batch run and at verification.
• Verify packaged product information, including code dates, item numbers, and use by dates.
• Perform post-control monitoring and verification, including scale checks and metal detector checks.

• Complete product testing, including gravy blends or baking blends when applicable.
• Collect environmental swabbing and monthly air testing by customer requirement.
• Collect product samples and maintain sample programs.
• Place and release non-compliant items from hold according to procedure.
• Track and switch monthly retain product samples or raw ingredient samples as required.

• Open, review, and save COAs when received, including physical or electronic copies.
• Release products from hold in MC / MRP software according to verification requirements.
• Maintain shelf life and expiration date review in the system when needed.
• Maintain weekly hold logs for blended product and raw material.
• Keep QA documentation accurate, organized, and audit-ready.

• Prepare and deliver training to employees as assigned.
• Assist with requested customer audits, random/unannounced Kansas Department of Agriculture audits, USDA audits, and annual third-party audits.
• Support internal investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Assist production, sanitation, and warehouse teams with quality-related questions and concerns.

• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Understanding of GMPs, HACCP, sanitation, allergen control, and food safety expectations.
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions and communicate quality concerns clearly.
• Ability to work independently and support multiple departments.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.

• Ability to work in food production environments with noise, temperature changes, dust, and allergens.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to move between production, warehouse, lab, and office areas as needed.

The Quality Assurance Technician is expected to:

• Complete required QA checks, inspections, and verification activities accurately and on time.
• Maintain audit-ready records and documentation.
• Communicate non-conformances, holds, and food safety concerns promptly.
• Support product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer requirements.