QA Specialist

PastryStar•Laurel, MD

8d•$18 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The QA Specialist supports the Quality Control Manager in maintaining food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, and the SQF program. The role performs quality assurance activities, maintains accurate documentation, communicates deficiencies, supports corrective actions, and provides administrative assistance to the Quality Control team. The position works in person in Laurel, Maryland, and requires the ability to commute to or relocate to the area before starting work. PastryStar manufactures clean-label bakery ingredients for industrial bakeries, in-store bakeries, and cruise lines. The company describes its workplace as clean, safe, and quality-driven, with an emphasis on teamwork, food safety, and operational excellence.

Requirements

One to three years of experience in a food manufacturing or food production environment.
Knowledge of GMPs, food safety programs, corrective actions, root-cause analysis, and statistical process control.
Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and follow-up skills, with close attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidential records, and work effectively across departments.
Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be confirmed through E-Verify.
Ability to commute to Laurel, MD 20723, or relocate there before starting work.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.
HACCP and PCQI certifications preferred.
SQF Practitioner certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Perform scheduled environmental monitoring tests and retests, trend results, and communicate findings to the Quality Control Manager and appropriate personnel.
Partner with Production and Sanitation teams to address deficiencies through training, corrective actions, and reinforcement of established procedures.
Monitor compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices, including personnel practices, packaging controls, allergen management, and food defense requirements.
Maintain logs of GMP deficiencies, corrective actions, verification activities, and follow-up results.
Randomly verify critical control point monitoring and confirm required tests are completed correctly and documented accurately.
Conduct or assist with site, brittle plastic and glass control, and knife and blade inspections; report maintenance concerns and document corrective actions.
Inspect and document returned products and assist with the disposition of out-of-specification materials and finished goods.
Perform routine quality control tasks in accordance with approved procedures.
Oversee assigned prerequisite programs, which may include supplier approval, environmental and product testing, and allergen controls.
Investigate customer complaints and internal nonconformities; support root-cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and verify their effectiveness.
Assist with regulatory, third-party, customer, food safety, and quality audits.
Participate in developing, reviewing, and implementing standard operating procedures related to food safety and quality.
Support Research and Development activities as needed, including following formulas and accurately weighing and mixing ingredients.
Assist with employee training on food safety, quality, GMPs, and applicable procedures.
Maintain organized electronic and paper quality records, including product specifications, certificates, supplier documents, kosher certifications, safety data sheets, inspection records, and training documentation.
Review quality records for completeness, accuracy, required signatures, and timely filing; follow up on missing or incomplete information.
Enter, update, and track quality data in spreadsheets, logs, databases, and document-control systems.
Prepare routine quality reports, summaries, trend charts, audit materials, and meeting documents.
Manage document-control activities by issuing current forms, archiving obsolete versions, and supporting periodic reviews of policies and procedures.
Coordinate sample submissions, laboratory paperwork, test-result tracking, and related correspondence.
Schedule quality meetings, training sessions, inspections, and follow-up activities; record notes and track assigned action items.
Monitor due dates for corrective actions, certifications, supplier documents, calibrations, inspections, and program reviews; send reminders and escalate overdue items.
Assist with product-label creation and updates, ensuring approved information and revision controls are maintained.
Respond to routine internal requests for quality documentation and provide general administrative support to the Quality Control Manager.