QA Technician - Shift 3

Rich's•Brunswick, GA

About The Position

The QA Technician assures food safety through HACCP compliance monitoring, implementation of corrective actions, and reporting deviations to the QA Manager. The role performs quality assurance activities to ensure product and process compliance, supports laboratory operations and testing, and helps investigate product defects and trends. The technician also coordinates the timely hold and disposition of raw ingredients, packaging materials, and finished products, and submits reports on compliance, deviations, and corrective actions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
Knowledge of food-related chemistry testing, including water activity, free fatty acids, viscosity, pH, Brix, concentration, moisture analysis, allergen tests, and flour-testing attributes.
Understanding of microbiological contaminants, pathogens and their growth characteristics in food manufacturing, bacterial growth requirements and identification, growth morphology, temperature requirements, and food sources.
Strong knowledge of the Windows operating system and Microsoft Word and Excel.
Knowledge of statistics and use of software packages.
Ability to constructively deal with change and pressure.
Willingness to continue training or education as necessary.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, operate powered equipment, use a full range of motion in both arms, hands, and legs, and taste.
Ability to operate normal laboratory equipment.
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, audits, 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 and 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.