QA Technician - Food Mfg

Rich's•Missouri City, MO

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 conducts product sampling, line monitoring, audits, laboratory testing, and calibrations to ensure compliance with specifications and customer requirements. It also coordinates laboratory operations and reviews analytical data, microbiological testing, sanitation inspection reports, investigations, and corrective and preventive actions. The technician investigates defects in raw and finished products, coordinates holds and dispositions, supports process improvements, maintains laboratory supplies and an organized work area, and promotes quality through training. The role uses PLM, QDMS, SAP, and Minitab and submits written reports on compliance, deviations, and corrective actions. It also requires understanding acidified foods and applicable federal guidelines.

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.
Willingness to continue training and 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.
Knowledge of food-related chemistry testing, including water activity, free fatty acids, viscosity, pH effects on food, Brix, concentration, moisture analyses, allergen tests, and flour attributes.
Knowledge of food microbiology, including pathogens and their growth characteristics in food manufacturing, bacterial growth requirements and identification, growth morphology, temperature requirements, and food sources.

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 testing 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 quality assurance tasks, including product sampling, line monitoring, auditing, laboratory testing, and calibrations.
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.
Coordinate timely hold and disposition of raw ingredients, packaging materials, and finished product.
Investigate root causes of defects in raw and finished products and implement corrective actions.
Maintain and promote a quality culture through training.
Maintain an organized and clean work area and adequate inventory of laboratory supplies.
Use PLM, QDMS, SAP, and Minitab to support business processes.
Submit written reports on overall compliance, deviations, and corrective actions implemented.
Understand acidified foods and comply with applicable federal guidelines.