Quality Associate/Technician

Ancient Crunch•Hackettstown, NJ

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The QA Technician is responsible for monitoring and verifying food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout production. This role performs required testing, conducts inspections, manage product holds, supports customer complaints investigations, and ensures compliance with GMP and regulatory requirements under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The responsibilities listed below are not exhaustive. As Ancient Crunch scales, the requirements of this position will expand and adapt. The Quality Associate/Technician is expected to lead new initiatives and assume additional duties consistent with this title and the long-term evolution of our Quality strategy.

Requirements

Computer skills to prepare reports to communicate outcomes of quality activities
Mathematical skills
Attention to detail
Strong communication skills – verbal and written
Data Collection and Analysis
Problem Analysis and problem solving
Quality Minded and Good judgement
Team Oriented
Ability to work independently
Responsible for complying to all Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies/procedures and requirements for position.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry materials throughout the shift
Ability to use stairs and ladders throughout the shift
Ability to work in hot, humid, wet, and industrial production environments
Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators, gloves, hearing protection, face shields, and protective clothing
Authorized to work in the U.S. and able to commute to Hackettstown, NJ
Good memory, follow-up skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities

Nice To Haves

Interest in product quality, manufacturing, or food/science environments a plus
Bachelor’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Perform required in-process and finished product testing (moisture, peroxide and FFA).
Conduct raw material and ingredient inspections upon receipt.
Monitor and record production temperatures (fryers, coolers and storage area).
Verify allergen control procedures.
Sample preparation & Testing Records Maintenance.
Perform environmental monitoring and swabbing when required.
Maintain sanitary conditions, organize, monitor inventory of supplies and report equipment faults in the laboratory.
Place product on Hold when out-of-specification results or food safety concerns are identified.
Positive Release Program: Clearly label and segregate held product.
Communication issues with QA Management and Production.
Assist in evaluation and final disposition of held materials.
Assist in investigating customer complaints.
Review production records, lot traceability, and retained samples.
Document findings and support corrective action implementation.
Perform and document verification of calibration for scales, thermometers, and other QA equipment.
Maintain calibration logs.
Report equipment issues to maintenance through work order requests.
Submit work orders for repairs related to food safety or quality issues.
Follow up to ensure timely correction of deficiencies.
Verify repairs were completed effectively.
Conduct routine glass and brittle plastic inspections.
Document finding and reporting any damage immediately.
Ensure corrective actions are taken to prevent contamination.
Conduct daily GMP walks in production and warehouse areas.
Identify and report GMP violations (hairnets, hygiene, cross-contaminations risks).
Support sanitation verification activities.
Accurately complete QA logs and inspection forms.
Maintain traceability records.
Support internal and external audits.
Ensure compliance with HACCP and the company food safety program.
Monitor GMP’s sanitation procedures, and quality procedures as set forth by QA and or supervisors in all areas of the plant.
Performs other duties as assigned by the QA Manager.
Help to keep all work areas clean and free of unsafe obstacles.
Educate yourself and others on the correct standard operating procedures for the task you are responsible for.
It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the company’s policies and procedures.
It is your responsibility to communicate any food safety and quality problems to your supervisor to initiate action.
Attend all required training and pass all necessary knowledge or skill-based evaluations.