Quality Assurance (QA) Technician (1st Shift)

KETTLE CUISINE LLC•Everett, WA

3d•$24 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician supports food safety and product quality at Kettle Cuisine’s Everett plant. The role reviews HACCP, prerequisite-program, and SSOP records for accuracy and identifies deficiencies; orders quality-related equipment, supplies, and services; and reports quality- and production-related metrics. The technician performs analytical testing and verification checks, supports sanitation and regulatory compliance, and provides on-floor assistance in investigating and troubleshooting food safety, quality, and process-control issues. The position also helps collect data for product and system improvement, verifies that ingredients, packaging, and finished products meet specifications, and supports QA and R&D during special batch runs. The technician works with little supervision, with work reviewed, and exercises discretion within assigned responsibilities. The role contributes to plant and departmental goals while following company safety standards and applicable regulations. Work takes place in a manufacturing setting, with possible exposure to heat, cold, dust, and minor hazards. The role requires occasional lifting of objects up to 25 pounds and flexibility to work different shifts and days, including 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.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word and Excel; the description also calls for knowledge of PowerPoint, Access, and an email system.
Ability to multitask with a high level of attention to detail.
Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work as a team player and build effective working relationships.
Creative problem-solving skills, organization, and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Willingness to address difficult situations with patience and respect.
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.
Passion for food.

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 by the plant’s HACCP/FSMA and Preventive Control Programs.
Ensure sanitation practices comply with food safety and regulatory requirements.
Provide on-floor QA support to investigate and troubleshoot food safety, quality, and process-control issues.
Assist QA management in collecting data to improve products and systems, including through Statistical Process Controls.
Ensure floor work areas follow plant GMP requirements and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Perform sanitation-system verification checks, 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.
Help the plant and QA department accomplish their goals and objectives.
Model and support the company’s core values and safety culture, promote accountability and performance, and support quality and continuous improvement.
Plan work, track results, and resolve variances.