Technician QA Senior; Salm

Ensures compliance with USDA-FSIS regulations, company programs and policies, and SQF requirements. Monitors product quality attributes; applies and maintains quality specifications; reviews and analyzes quality and process data; evaluates trends; documents performance measures; and recommends process changes. Conducts pre-operational and operational inspections and performs other activities required to maintain and document regulatory compliance. Assists with root cause analysis and quality improvement efforts.

Assists with quality and food safety-related training of QA Technicians and production partners. Acts as Food Safety Representative.

• Perform all QA Technician duties in support of Operations and food safety.
• Interpret and communicate customer requirements to production and supporting teams.
• Monitor and review QA Hold Log.
• Conduct final review of HACCP, Prerequisite Program, SSOP and Pre-Op documents.
• Audit processes to ensure that customer requirements and product specifications are met; review nonconformance issues, conduct root‑cause analysis, determine appropriate corrective actions and preventive measures, and assess effectiveness of preventive measures over time.
• Assist with statistical analysis of quality attributes and process measurements; develop data and trend analyses; evaluate trends and communicate findings to management.
• Participate in internal quality audits.
• Serve as a QA resource in the new project development process and subsequent new product rollout to production as needed.
• Assist with activities related to label approvals and export projects.
• Aid in the revision of product specifications, product audits, inspection keys, QA and Food Safety forms and procedures, etc.
• Oversee calibration of technical equipment.
• Compile, write, and deliver training material to QA personnel on quality control standards, procedures and activities.
• Participate in organoleptics to evaluate product for extended shelf life, formulation changes, etc.

Required:

Degree in Food Science, Biology, or a related field.

A minimum of 3 years previous Quality Assurance experience in a USDA‑FSIS‑regulated food manufacturing environment is preferred, preferably with ready‑to‑eat processed meats.

Knowledge of Quality Systems, including Global Food Safety Initiative standards (e.g. SQF) and experience applying root‑cause problem solving and other quality methodologies is very desirable. Previous experience with the USDA‑FSIS label approval process is desirable. Basic understanding of meat processing and basic knowledge of USDA‑FSIS regulations as they pertain to fully cooked meat and poultry sausage product is desirable. Previous experience with process improvement activities and documentation is also preferred.

Communication Skills

Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work effectively within a team; ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and technical instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to interpret data, summarize it and present it in a meaningful, easy‑to‑understand fashion.

Computer Skills

Strong computer proficiencies with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Previous experience with databases, Statistical Process Control software and Enterprise Resource Planning software (e.g. MAS 500) is strongly preferred. Hands‑on experience with electronic data collection on the plant floor is highly desirable.

Mathematical Skills

Solid math skills, with the ability to calculate formulas and percentages, perform metric conversions and common statistical analyses, and interpret data.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense in decision making and carrying out instructions furnished in written,…