Quality Assurance Technician -Entry Level

The J.M. Smucker Co. • McCalla, AL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level Quality Assurance Technician position located in McCalla, Alabama. The role is designed to support the Quality Assurance Specialist and involves ensuring adherence to quality and food safety standards within a manufacturing environment. The company emphasizes a positive and encouraging work environment, offering a comprehensive benefits package and fostering a collaborative culture.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret documents such as safety rules, GMPs, and general instructions.
• Good communication skills are required both verbally and written.
• Ability to use a computer and input data required for quality and/or production.
• Ability to give and receive feedback.
• Ability to perform critical thinking skills to problem solve and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to stand and lift.
• Ability to stand and walk at minimum 90% of the time.
• Must be able to work 12-hour shifts, days, or nights.
• Must be able to occasionally lift/push/pull or carry up to 60 pounds and should be able to lift 35-60 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to squat or kneel and to bend on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to work in a cold (-10 degrees F) freezer environment on an as needed basis.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to flour and yeast, oils, and peanut butter as well as other materials.
• Must be able to climb steps on a frequent basis.
• May be required to enter confined spaces occasionally.
• Repetitive motion, reaching, handling/feeling frequently (60-90% of the time).
• Hearing protection required.
• Minimum of 20/40 vision in each eye with or without corrective lenses.
• Must pass a standard eye exam.
• Ability to perform the essential job functions identified above consistent with safety standards and practices with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Previous manufacturing experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Follow site attendance policy.
• Follow the J.M. Smucker Basic Beliefs and Code of Conduct.
• Follow all company Safety Rules and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Understands and supports the J.M. Smucker McCalla safety program policies and performs work related activities in a safe manner. Recognizes unsafe working conditions and suggests new safety standards as appropriate.
• Understands, follows, and improves documented operational, maintenance, and sanitation standards in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) environment.
• Create or updates documentation as needed (SOPs, Job Aids, CIL Improvements).
• Provide coaching and guidance to operational technicians on quality and food safety requirements, procedures, and best practices.
• Must be able to work flexible work schedules and overtime as needed.
• Follows skill progression to improve skill and knowledge by attending technical training sessions, participating in vendor visits and scheduled maintenance activities.
• Reports quality department data including FG/RM age inventories and trending of daily paperwork results.
• Manages FG/RM/Packaging holds system as well as the trending and reporting holds for each team.
• Reviews, verifies, and files RM receiving sheets, COA verifications and management of commodity hold.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job and perform as a member of a team.
• Handles daily FG micro samples, including maintenance of testing database and organization of retention samples.
• Performs cleaning/sanitation activities when needed.
• Uses a computer to input and maintain accurate records and data; utilizes basic computer programs for e-mail and online training resources.
• Performs the monitoring of quality equipment throughout the facility (Thermometer, Air Flow, Scales, etc.).
• Serves as trainer for team quality training; responsible for building technician quality skills and providing ongoing coaching.
• Ability to operate sanitation equipment and material handling equipment such as forklifts, hand trucks, pallet jacks, etc.
• Ability to select and use appropriate basic hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, drills, grinders, etc.
• Identifies and corrects equipment defects.
• Analyzes information using principles of math and statistics.
• Ability to identify visual defects and make corrections as needed.
• Solves problems using analytical troubleshooting, critical thinking, and root cause analysis.
• Uses continuous improvement tools to eliminate losses and drive issues to root cause; documents, communicates, and implements corrective and preventative actions.
• Conduct routine quality inspections, audits, and verification activities to identify and address product or process deviations.
• Assist with audits, investigations, special projects, and other quality assurance initiatives as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package effective first day of employment, including: medical, dental and vision insurance, 80-hour vacation accrual, 401(k) Savings Plan with up to 7% Company match, 12 paid company holidays plus 4 personal days, parental leave, and annual holiday bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED