QA Lab Technician

Saputo Inc.•South Gate, CA

1d•$24•Onsite

About The Position

At Saputo, we make contributions that matter every day. We're a growing team of dedicated and passionate people around the world with a longstanding history of excellence. Each of our employees bring their best every day and together we create high-quality products our customers and consumers enjoy. Position Anticipated 18–24-month position, eligible to earn a quarterly bonus and severance package. To learn more visit us at http://www.saputo.com/careers Position Summary The Quality Control Technician’s responsibilities as the subject matter expert of the production shift and actively monitors production areas to inspect product quality, sample and analyze against established specification and controls. Documents and reports any or potential quality deviation and recommend corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).

Requirements

Associate degree with a concentration in Food or Dairy Science, preferred.
Previous experience with food quality specifications, physical and analytical testing, process control monitoring and positive release documentation or similar experience with strict adherence to protocol is preferred.
A working understanding of food manufacturing acronyms (SQF, QA/QC, CQP, QAP, HACCP, SOP,5S, GMP, etc.)
Ability to pass and successfully maintain regulatory certification, as required.
Strong math skills.
Strong computer and business skills (SAP, Microsoft Office products, email, copy, scanning)
Strong verbal and written communication skills, in English.
Demonstrated work history
Ability to work in manufacturing environment which includes but not limited to: noise, changing temperatures (hot, wet, cold, humid), prolonged periods of standing/walking.
Bending/stooping/climbing stairs, maneuvering around manufacturing equipment throughout the shift.
Working with chemicals, wearing personal protective equipment and following approved chemical handling procedures.
Good visual acuity with the ability to see and differentiate color.
Sensory health, ability to taste, smell and evaluate odors and flavors.
Physical lifting up to 50-lbs intermittently throughout shift.
Physical lifting up to 50-lbs with assistance.
Shift flexibility. This is a support role for a 24/7 manufacturing facility. Our quality technicians are assigned to a team on shifts, 24/7 operation to support manufacturing. Work days and shifts may change to help cover vacations/absences, during plant downtime or quality related events such as audits.

Nice To Haves

Advanced quality/food safety training and/or certifications is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Collects samples and perform physical analytical sampling and testing of raw ingredients, packaging materials and finished goods dairy food products in accordance with established guidelines. Ability to apply and interpret results.
Perform microbiological/bacteriological sampling and testing of dairy food products in accordance with established guidelines. Ability to apply and interpret results.
Identify and effectively communicate any out-of-specification analytical test results. Follow established notification protocol.
Routinely collect product samples from production lines as outlined by testing requirements.
Exceptional organizational skills in order to maintain all QC records and filing.
Accurately and neatly complete analytical testing documents and enter data into system.
Ability to prepare various stock solutions used in the laboratory.
Calibrate and maintain all lab testing equipment.
Perform environmental control swabbing after clean-up and CIP/SIP. Report any deviations.
Knowledge of consumer complaint investigation process.
Support internal and external audits.
Support mock and product recall program guidelines.
Prepare and process production records to isolate any out of specification product including any product deviations from standard, on-hold, regulatory holds, etc.
Prepare and distribute customer certificates of analysis.
Must be proficient with all quality control functions throughout the facility.
Must be able to complete, pass and maintain specific State regulatory licensing/certificate requirements (CDFA, DFA Appendix N, Good Laboratory Practices).
Perform good laboratory housekeeping within established housekeeping guidelines.
Comply with all Quality Assurance Procedures (QAP’s).
Comply with federal, state and local dairy food regulations.
Adhere to the Saputo Code of Ethics and actively apply the Saputo Company Values.
Work together professionally with co-workers and other department personnel.
Other duties as required by management.