1st Shift QA TECHNICIAN I

JBS Foods • Columbia, MO

2h • Onsite

About The Position

QA Technicians help ensure products are safe for human consumption by testing and inspecting products at different stages of production. They evaluate data and test results to maintain food safety, quality, and reliability standards. The role is based at the Principe Foods facility in Columbia, Missouri, and reports to the Quality Assurance (QA) Supervisor. Starting pay is $21.63 per hour.

The technician interprets product specifications and standard operating procedures, performs tests on raw materials and finished products, analyzes results, communicates findings, and recommends solutions or specification changes. The role also supports employee training, GMP compliance, HACCP activities, equipment calibration and maintenance, and upkeep of the QA lab and work area. Employees must follow plant safety procedures and may perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year in the food manufacturing industry.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts, including proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume, and apply basic algebra.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and solve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to comprehend and communicate in basic English and interact with all levels of the organization.
• Intermediate computer skills, including data entry and use of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
• Must meet company standards for background and reference checks and controlled-substance testing.
• Ability to see, hear, and speak clearly to communicate effectively.
• Occasional ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Good attendance and safety records.

Nice To Haves

• Food manufacturing experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interpret raw- and finished-product specifications and company SOPs to ensure consistent and accurate testing practices and frequencies.
• Set up and perform destructive and non-destructive tests on raw materials and finished products according to product specifications or SOPs.
• Select and test products at specified production stages for qualities such as dimensions, performance, and mechanical, electrical, or chemical characteristics.
• Analyze information, conduct tests, investigate problems, receive feedback, communicate findings to QA Leads, Supervisors, plant management, and other appropriate personnel, and recommend permanent solutions.
• Participate in training personnel to interpret, test, evaluate, measure, chart, calculate, weigh, record, file, and perform other quality-testing tasks.
• Recommend changes to quality or manufacturing specifications and SOPs to achieve optimum quality within equipment and raw-material capabilities.
• Prepare graphs or charts and enter data into a computer for analysis.
• Lead by example, train personnel, and enforce GMP compliance; follow company and plant GMP policies.
• Understand and support the HACCP process by testing, recording, and filing required data and participating in ongoing education, training, and audits.
• Perform net-weight control and metal-detector performance checks according to SOPs.
• Calibrate measuring equipment routinely according to SOPs.
• Support work teams, help motivate coworkers, and assist with resolving conflict.
• Perform general or preventive maintenance and clean testing and sampling equipment; notify the QC Lead or Supervisor of malfunctioning equipment.
• Clean and organize the QA lab and work area on an ongoing basis.
• Follow company and plant safety policies, including lockout/tagout procedures, proper lifting techniques, and required PPE use.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical benefits for full-time employees.
• 401(k) for full-time employees.
• Free tuition to select schools for full-time employees.
• Career growth opportunities; the company prefers promoting internal employees into management roles as they are ready for new responsibilities.
• Charitable involvement across Midwest communities through Hometown Strong.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED