QA Technician

Rich Products Corporation • Crest Hill, IL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The QA Technician's purpose is to assure food safety through HACCP compliance monitoring, implementing corrective actions and reporting of deviations to the QA Manager. This role involves documenting test results, communicating deviations with management and co-associates, and reviewing data to direct follow-up of product testing deviations and trends to meet customer requirements. The technician will also conduct product and process capability studies, perform QA tasks including product sampling, line monitoring, auditing, lab testing and calibrations, and coordinate lab operations, raw material, finished product and audit analytical data and reports for process improvements. Additionally, they will audit laboratory testing, analytical test methods and protocols for compliance with Standard Operating Procedure and Quality Assurance Agreement, and review and approve deviations, investigations, and corrective and preventive actions associated with analytical laboratories. The role also includes reviewing and auditing microbiological testing and sanitation cleaning inspection reports, placing ingredients and finished goods on hold as directed, investigating the root cause of defects, and implementing corrective actions. Maintaining and promoting a quality culture through training, keeping a well-organized and clean work area, and maintaining adequate inventory of supplies are also key aspects. The technician will coordinate timely hold and disposition of raw ingredients, packaging materials, and finished product, utilize PLM, QDMS, SAP and Minitab, and submit written reports on overall compliance, deviations, and corrective actions implemented. A strong understanding of Acidified Foods and compliance to all federal guidelines is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, chemistry or related field required.
• Chemistry work related: Water activity., Free fatty acid testing; Viscosity, ; PH effect on Food; Brix, Concentration; Moisture analyses; allergen tests, Flour testing attributes.
• Microbiology work related: Knowledge of pathogens and its growth characteristics as it relates to food manufacturing and the facility. Bacterial growth requirement; Bacterial identification; Growth morphology; Temperature growth requirement; Bacterial food source.
• PC skills to include strong knowledge of Windows operating system, and applications to include Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of statistics and use of software packages.
• Ability to constructively deal with change and pressure.
• Willing to continue training/ education as necessary.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to operate powered equipment.
• Ability to use a full range of motion in both arms, hands, and legs.
• Ability to taste.
• Ability to operate normal laboratory equipment.
• Must have understanding of microbiological contaminates.
• Must have complete understanding of shortenings, sugars, starches, gums, and particulates.

Nice To Haves

• Related work experience preferred but not required.
• One year experience in commercial food processing preferred.
• Knowledge of Database systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Document test results, communicate deviations with management and co-associates.
• Review data and direct follow-up of product testing deviations and trends to meet customer requirements.
• Conduct product and process capability studies as directed by QA Manager or designate.
• Perform QA tasks including product sampling, line monitoring, auditing, lab testing and calibrations to ensure compliance to specifications.
• Coordinate lab operation, raw material, finished product and audit analytical data and reports for process improvements.
• Audit laboratory testing, analytical test methods and protocols for Compliance with Standard Operating Procedure and Quality Assurance Agreement.
• Reviewing and approving deviation, investigations, and corrective and preventive action that is associated with analytical laboratories.
• Review and audit of microbiological testing and sanitation cleaning inspection reports.
• Place ingredients and finished goods on hold, as directed by the QA Manager/QA Team Leader.
• Investigate the root cause of defects in raw and finished products and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain and promote a quality culture through training.
• Maintain a well-organized and clean work area.
• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies for lab.
• Coordinate timely hold and disposition of raw ingredients, packaging materials and finished product.
• Utilize PLM, QDMS, SAP and Minitab in support of business processes.
• Submit written reports on overall compliance, deviations and corrective actions implemented.
• Understanding of Acidified Foods and compliance to all federal guidelines.

Benefits

• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Fairness and a culture of belonging
• Reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level