Quality Assurance Tech (FSQA Tech)

Fresh Mark Inc.•Massillon, OH

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the production of safe, high-quality food products by monitoring manufacturing processes, verifying compliance with food safety and quality standards, and conducting routine inspections and testing throughout the facility. This position supports food safety initiatives by performing quality checks in production, packaging, warehousing, and sanitation areas while ensuring compliance with company policies, customer specifications, and all applicable regulatory requirements, including USDA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, and SQF standards.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Knowledge of food safety and quality assurance principles within a manufacturing environment.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify quality and food safety concerns.
Ability to interpret specifications, procedures, policies, and quality standards.
Experience using quality testing and monitoring equipment.
Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
Basic mathematical and analytical skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
Experience with data entry, documentation review, and quality record maintenance.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Production, Maintenance, Sanitation, and Operations teams.
Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or certificate in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.
One (1) or more years of Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Food Safety, or manufacturing experience in a food production environment preferred.
Experience working in USDA-inspected food manufacturing facilities is preferred.
Working knowledge of FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP principles, and food safety regulations.
Familiarity with SQF, sanitation programs, environmental monitoring, and preventive controls.
Understanding of food manufacturing processes, quality systems, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Experience conducting audits, inspections, and product evaluations in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine quality inspections and process verification checks throughout production, packaging, storage, and sanitation operations.
Perform product evaluations including physical, analytical, microbiological, and sensory testing in accordance with company procedures and customer specifications.
Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Perform environmental monitoring and sampling activities using proper aseptic and sterile techniques.
Support and coordinate environmental monitoring and sanitation verification programs.
Conduct pre-operational inspections to verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup.
Verify Critical Control Points (CCPs), operational controls, and required documentation as part of the facility's HACCP and food safety programs.
Review and maintain quality records, test results, production documentation, and regulatory reports.
Investigate, document, and communicate quality or food safety deviations to management.
Provide independent oversight of manufacturing operations and escalate non-conformances when identified.
Assist with product retention programs, sample collection, and product disposition activities.
Calibrate and verify testing and monitoring equipment as required.
Support internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.
Assist in employee training related to food safety, GMPs, quality standards, and plant procedures.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance food safety, product quality, and operational efficiency.
Attend and complete all required company training programs.
Perform raw material, in-process, and finished product sampling and evaluations as required.
Verify incoming ingredients, packaging materials, and finished goods meet established specifications.
Conduct sanitation audits and pre-operational inspections to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Execute environmental monitoring and verification programs.
Monitor and document compliance with HACCP plans, prerequisite programs, GMPs, and food safety procedures.
Verify production line compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
Report food safety, quality, and regulatory concerns immediately to management.
Ensure accurate and timely completion of all required quality and food safety documentation.
Support continuous compliance with USDA, FDA, SQF, HACCP, OSHA, and company food safety requirements.
Promote a strong food safety culture throughout the facility.