Quality Assurance (QA) Technician (1st Shift)

Kettle Cuisine•Everett, WA

About The Position

The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician ensures records pertaining to HACCP, prerequisite programs, and SSOPs are reviewed for accuracy and deficiencies are identified. The role also handles ordering quality-related equipment, supplies, and services, and reports internal and external Quality and Production metrics. The technician performs analytical testing and verifies food safety and quality checks under the KC-Everett Plant’s HACCP/FSMA and Preventive Control Programs. The role provides on-floor support to investigate and troubleshoot food safety, quality, and process-control issues; supports data collection for product and system improvement, including Statistical Process Controls; and helps ensure sanitation practices and work areas comply with food safety, regulatory, GMP, and occupational safety requirements. The position works with little supervision, though work is reviewed, and exercises discretion within its area of responsibility. It recommends actions and alternatives to supervisors and others. The work is in a manufacturing setting, with some exposure to heat, cold, dust, or other minor inconveniences and hazards. The technician must be available and flexible to work different shifts and days, sometimes for weeks at a time, and work weekends and overtime as required.

Requirements

A two-year technical degree or four-year college program in Food Science, Quality, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong knowledge and understanding of HACCP and USDA/FDA regulations.
Ability to identify and create processes and write procedures.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or the business community.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and an email system.
Ability to multitask with a high level of attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work as a team player, generate enthusiasm, and build an effective working environment.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Positive attitude and motivation to contribute to team success.
Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Creative problem-solving skills; well organized and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, sometimes ambiguous environment.
Willingness to address difficult situations with patience and respect.
Passion for food.
Availability and flexibility to work different shifts and days, sometimes for weeks at a time, and to work weekends and overtime as required.
Ability to occasionally lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

HACCP certification.
Inventory and database management experience.

Responsibilities

Review HACCP, prerequisite program, and SSOP records for accuracy and identify deficiencies.
Order quality-related equipment, supplies, and services.
Report internal and external Quality and Production-related metrics.
Perform analytical testing, including pH, sodium, color, drain weight, water activity, Brix, and moisture.
Verify food safety and quality checks established in the plant’s HACCP/FSMA and Preventive Control Programs.
Ensure food safety and regulatory compliance of sanitation practices.
Provide on-floor QA support to investigate and troubleshoot food safety, quality, and process-control issues.
Assist QA management with collecting data to improve products and systems, including Statistical Process Controls.
Ensure floor work areas follow plant GMP requirements and local, state, and federal regulations.
Perform verification system checks for sanitation, including daily pre-operational inspections, APC, ATP, and environmental monitoring.
Assist QA and R&D during special batch runs as needed.
Assist QA and Operations with conformance checks of ingredients, packaging, and finished products against established specifications.
Work safely and follow Kettle Cuisine standards and applicable occupational safety regulations.
Assist QA and the site in accomplishing plant and departmental goals and objectives.
Model and support Kettle’s Core Values and safety culture; promote accountability, performance, quality, and continuous improvement.
Plan work, track results, and resolve variances.