Quality Assurance Tech

North Freeze Dry • Little Falls, MN

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Technician performs quality assurance activities to ensure the consistent food safety and product quality of North Freeze Dry Pet Foods products. The role inspects products throughout the production facility for quality and compliance with company standards and procedures, conducts testing and audits, reviews laboratory results, and supports corrective and preventive actions. The technician works with manufacturing and quality teams, provides guidance to plant operators, and assists with quality documentation and projects. The position operates in a food manufacturing plant and includes overnight hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience as a Quality Technician, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Demonstrated problem-solving experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to understand the overall picture while focusing on processes and procedures needed to produce deliverables.
• Ability to establish and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivation and ability to use constructive feedback to grow in the position.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a team-player mentality.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in food safety or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality testing on in-process samples and lot/load samples, including food safety, quality, and miscellaneous testing.
• Perform calibration and maintenance activities for analytical instrumentation and equipment.
• Complete daily check samples on North Freeze Dry computer programs.
• Maintain a clean environment for the laboratory and laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Maintain an inventory of testing supplies and notify the QA Manager when supplies need to be reordered.
• Generate certificates of analysis (COAs) for outbound orders and email them to customer QA departments.
• Review internal laboratory results for compliance with specifications.
• Conduct and document audits.
• Work with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure compliance with North Freeze Dry and customer requirements.
• Address food safety and quality problems arising during the shift, developing appropriate solutions and corrective or preventive actions.
• Assist with implementing internal quality documentation, including product specifications and QA procedures.
• Support and adhere to the Company’s Safety Program.
• Guide plant operators on standard operating procedures related to quality, sanitation, and safety.
• Release raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products from hold status when they meet quality standards and specifications.
• Inspect raw material, in-process, and finished product retention samples.
• Assist with quality projects involving product testing, product specifications, process improvement, and audits.
• Assist operators with quality determinations as needed.
• Execute the North Freeze Dry Vision, Mission, and Values; promote a positive, proactive environment where team members’ input is valued.
• Provide backup support for other roles as necessary and perform other duties assigned by the manager or supervisor.
• Follow food safety, quality, and workspace safety procedures and requirements.
• Be available for scheduled or call-in overtime as necessary.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with employee, child(ren), spouse, and family coverage.
• Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, accident insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) program with company matching up to 4%.
• Paid Time Off accruing from the first day.
• Paid personal days.
• Seven company-paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

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