QA Technician - Food Mfg

Rich Products Corporation•Missouri City, TX

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 supports product and process quality by conducting sampling, line monitoring, audits, laboratory testing, and calibrations, and by reviewing test data and trends to meet customer requirements. The technician coordinates laboratory operations and reviews raw-material, finished-product, audit, microbiological, and sanitation data. The position investigates product defects, supports timely holds and dispositions, and helps maintain compliance with standard operating procedures, quality agreements, and federal guidelines for acidified foods. The role also promotes a quality culture through training, maintains an organized work area and laboratory supplies, and uses business and analysis software to support company processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
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, and willingness to continue training or education as necessary.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to operate powered equipment and normal laboratory equipment.
Ability to use a full range of motion in both arms, hands, and legs.
Ability to taste.
Understanding of microbiological contaminants.
Complete understanding of shortenings, sugars, starches, gums, and particulates.

Nice To Haves

Related work experience; it is preferred but not required.
One year of experience in commercial food processing.
Knowledge of database systems.
Knowledge of chemistry-related food testing, including water activity, free fatty acid testing, viscosity, pH effects on food, Brix, concentration, moisture analyses, allergen tests, and flour-testing attributes.
Microbiology knowledge, including pathogens and their growth characteristics in food manufacturing and the facility; bacterial growth requirements, identification, morphology, temperature requirements, and food sources.

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 laboratory supply inventory.
Coordinate timely holds and dispositions of raw ingredients, packaging materials, and finished products.
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.