QA Inspector

empirical foods•Garden City, KS

About The Position

The QA Inspector monitors quality standards throughout the plant, including raw material receipts and sampling, finished-product verification, and testing and analysis of product samples. The role supports facility management and research and development by participating in pilot runs, evaluating results, preparing technical reports, and helping develop products that meet quality, safety, value, and wholesomeness expectations. The inspector analyzes laboratory results, including trending, grading, and validating quality and functionality, and contributes to design reviews and error-detection feedback for new products and processes. The position inspects plant machinery, structures, equipment, sanitation, and facility conditions for compliance. It monitors potential foreign-material sources, employee sanitation practices, incoming raw material trailers, and finished products. The inspector performs product and equipment tests, maintains timely and accurate records, reports findings, handles product holds and production stoppages when necessary, and labels, packages, and ships samples to designated laboratories. The role also assists in other areas as needed and checks QA supplies and materials inventory.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Basic math and writing skills.
General computer knowledge and proficiency; proficiency in Microsoft 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 all 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, including cleanliness after sanitation and before operations begin; report deficiencies and conduct re-inspections.
Perform audits and monitor potential foreign-material sources, reporting findings to management in a timely manner.
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, grounds, docks, drains, and pest-control conditions.
Monitor employee use of required sanitation equipment, including hairnets, beard nets, frocks, and gloves, and report findings to management.
Inspect incoming raw material trailers, including seals, set points, and temperatures; verify approved-supplier status and perform core sampling tests.
Complete product adjustment forms, damaged box reports, and sparse lean claim forms accurately and on time, and report them to appropriate corporate personnel.
Conduct scheduled product sampling for microbiological and analytical tests and record sampling data accurately and promptly.
Label, package, and ship product samples to specified laboratories.
Inspect finished products, place products on hold for additional inspection, 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 inspections, liner inspections, temperature collection, and product sampling.
Assist with quality checks of raw material receipts and finished packaged products; lift and move samples and boxed products.
Participate in tests and pilot runs of new or improved products, evaluate results, and prepare R&D technical reports.
Assist R&D with product development and provide feedback during design reviews and on error detection and process quality.
Provide coverage and assist in other areas as needed.
Perform inventory checks for QA supplies and materials.
Perform other duties as assigned.