QA Technician - Shift 3

Rich Products Corporation•Brunswick, GA

10d

About The Position

The QA Technician assures food safety by monitoring HACCP compliance, implementing corrective actions, and reporting deviations to the QA Manager. The role performs quality assurance activities including product sampling, line monitoring, auditing, laboratory testing, and calibrations to ensure compliance with specifications and customer requirements. It also supports laboratory operations and process improvements by reviewing raw-material, finished-product, audit, and analytical data; conducting capability studies; and auditing testing methods and protocols for compliance with procedures and quality agreements. The technician investigates product defects and testing deviations, reviews corrective and preventive actions, coordinates holds and dispositions of ingredients, packaging materials, and finished goods, and reports on compliance and corrective actions. The role supports a quality culture through training and maintains an organized work area and adequate laboratory supplies. It also requires an understanding of acidified foods and applicable federal guidelines, and use of PLM, QDMS, SAP, and Minitab.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
Chemistry-related knowledge or skills, including water activity, free fatty acid testing, viscosity, pH effects on food, Brix and concentration, moisture analyses, allergen tests, and flour-testing attributes.
Microbiology knowledge related to food manufacturing, including pathogens and their growth characteristics, bacterial growth requirements and identification, growth morphology, temperature requirements, and food sources.
PC skills, including strong knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Word and Excel.
Knowledge of statistics and use of software packages.
Ability to constructively deal with change and pressure and willingness to continue training or education as necessary.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
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.
Understanding of microbiological contaminants.
Complete understanding of shortenings, sugars, starches, gums, and particulates.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Document test results and communicate deviations to management and co-associates.
Review data and direct follow-up on product-testing deviations and trends to meet customer requirements.
Conduct product and process capability studies as directed by the QA Manager or designate.
Perform product sampling, line monitoring, auditing, laboratory testing, and calibrations to ensure compliance with specifications.
Coordinate laboratory operations and review 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 procedures and quality assurance agreements.
Review and approve deviations, investigations, and corrective and preventive actions associated with analytical laboratories.
Review and audit microbiological testing and sanitation-cleaning inspection reports.
Place ingredients and finished goods on hold as directed by the QA Manager or QA Team Leader.
Investigate root causes 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 laboratory supplies.
Coordinate timely hold and disposition of raw ingredients, packaging materials, and finished product.
Use PLM, QDMS, SAP, and Minitab in support of business processes.
Submit written reports on overall compliance, deviations, and corrective actions implemented.
Understand acidified foods and comply with applicable federal guidelines.