QA Inspector

empirical foods•South Sioux City, NE

About The Position

The QA Inspector monitors quality standards throughout the plant. The role includes verifying incoming raw materials, collecting samples, and inspecting finished packaged products. The inspector performs and analyzes product tests, records and trends results, evaluates pilot runs of new and improved products, prepares technical reports related to research and development, and assists with developing products that meet expectations for quality, safety, value, and wholesomeness. The role also contributes to design reviews and provides feedback on error detection and process quality. The QA Inspector inspects plant equipment, structures, work areas, incoming trailers, and finished products for compliance. The position requires lifting and moving raw material samples and boxed products, maintaining accurate records, and communicating findings to management and appropriate corporate personnel. The inspector may place products on hold, coordinate production stoppages when necessary, and provide coverage in other areas as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic math and writing skills.
General computer knowledge and proficiency.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
Accuracy and strong attention to detail.
Ability to follow directions.
Ability to analyze and interpret data from a variety of sources.
Self-directed work style.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with employees at all levels.
Regular and punctual attendance.
Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 60 pounds.
Ability to walk, stand, twist, reach, bend, climb, and lift.
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including weekends.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a food or restaurant environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Inspect machinery and structures for compliance, cleanliness after sanitation, and readiness before operations start; report issues and reinspect as needed.
Conduct audits, monitor potential foreign-material sources, and report findings to management promptly.
Inspect and test equipment, including verifying scale accuracy, conducting swab tests, checking metal detector sensitivity, and confirming sanitizing equipment functions properly.
Monitor the condition of facility areas, including freezers, hand-wash sinks, locker rooms, overhead structures, ceilings, outside grounds, docks, drains, and pest-control conditions.
Monitor employees’ use of required sanitation equipment, including hairnets, beard nets, frocks, and gloves, and report findings to management.
Inspect raw-material trailers, including seals, set points, and temperatures; verify approved suppliers and perform core sampling tests.
Complete product adjustment forms, damaged box reports, and sparse lean claim forms accurately and promptly, and report them to appropriate corporate personnel.
Collect samples for scheduled microbiological and analytical tests, record sampling data, and label, package, and ship samples to designated laboratories.
Inspect finished products, place products on hold for additional inspection when needed, and coordinate production stoppages when necessary.
Measure and record finished-product quality factors, including fat, protein, temperature, and color.
Inspect and manifest finished products, including visual inspection, liner inspection, temperature collection, and product sampling.
Participate in tests and pilot runs of new and improved products, evaluate results, and prepare R&D technical reports.
Assist R&D with product development and participate in design reviews, providing feedback on error detection and process quality.
Check inventory of QA supplies and materials.
Provide coverage and assist in other areas as needed.
Perform all other duties as assigned.