Food Safety Quality Assurance Technician
About The Position
The Food Safety Quality Assurance Technician assists the QA lead and management in ensuring food safety, product quality, and compliance with plant standards. The role oversees line startups, monitors production, conducts quality inspections and checks, responds to deviations, supports in-line detection systems, and helps ensure the analytical chemistry laboratory follows Good Laboratory Practices. The technician documents findings, reports concerns promptly, and takes required actions. The role may also cover QA Receiving, QA Shipping, and line startup duties when other technicians are absent, and may take on other responsibilities as needed. The position requires following and enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices, Safe Quality Food standards, food safety and quality procedures, and safety requirements, including PPE. It involves communicating and assisting with resolution of known or suspected food safety and quality issues, attending required training, and working flexible hours and weekends. The role reports to the Food Safety Quality Assurance Team Lead and is backed up by the QA Team Lead or QA Supervisor.
Requirements
- 1–2 years of Quality Control experience in a food manufacturing facility.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and email.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Laboratory Practices, and Good Documentation Practices.
- Ability to perform arithmetic calculations, including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, ratios, and percentages.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to use time efficiently and work with minimal supervision.
- Detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to work flexible hours and weekends.
- Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods; climb, crawl, push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds; and perform finger and hand manipulation such as typing or using a 10-key keypad.
- Ability to distinguish colors and withstand strong odors from processed foods.
- Ability to work for long or short periods in a high-paced, hot, and cold environment.
- Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
Nice To Haves
- A degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or Chemistry.
- Bilingual Spanish skills.
- HACCP certification.
- PCQI certification.
Responsibilities
- Oversee line startup to ensure product specifications and line parameters are met after rooms and equipment are released from pre-operations.
- Provide first-level troubleshooting for in-line detection systems, including metal detectors, X-ray systems, and checkweighers, and escalate operational problems promptly.
- Provide backup coverage for line startup, QA Receiving, and QA Shipping during technician absences.
- Replenish analytical chemistry laboratory supplies and ensure the laboratory complies with Good Laboratory Practices.
- Collaborate with the QA lead and management to resolve deviations from GMP, SQF standards, and specification requirements.
- Immediately report deviations from GMP, SQF standards, and product specifications to the appropriate supervisor, manager, or Quality Management.
- Follow and enforce GMP, SQF standards, food safety requirements, and safety rules, including PPE requirements.
- Conduct GMP inspections and ensure food safety, quality, and cleanliness are maintained throughout plant areas.
- Report unsafe work conditions and potential food safety deficiencies to management in real time or as soon as observed.
- Create and place hold tags, including a physical count and detailed incident report.
- Calibrate thermometers, scales, and other laboratory equipment.
- Perform and sign off on pre-operational inspections for line clearance.
- Ensure formulas are available for all product runs and review that production follows them.
- Inspect incoming raw materials for quality and specification compliance.
- Report to work on time, including returning from lunch and breaks as scheduled.
- Attend required food safety and quality training and communicate or assist with resolving known or suspected food safety or quality issues.
- Take on other responsibilities as needed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
