Quality Assurance Tech

North Freeze Dry LLC • Little Falls, MN

15h • $23 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Technician performs quality assurance activities to help ensure the food safety and consistent product quality of North Freeze Dry Pet Foods products. The role inspects products in the production facility for quality and compliance with company standards and procedures. It conducts testing and reviews results, maintains lab equipment and supplies, generates and sends certificates of analysis, conducts audits, supports quality documentation and projects, and works with manufacturing and quality teams to address issues and meet company and customer requirements. The technician also provides quality-related guidance to plant operators and helps determine when raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products meet requirements for release from hold.

The position works in a plant manufacturing environment and uses machinery, forklifts, computers, and laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Conditions may include moderate to loud noise, grain dust and other airborne particles, hazardous materials or fumes, temperature changes including negative temperatures, adverse weather, high places, and confined spaces. PPE and hearing protection may be required. The position involves regular standing and walking, handling and reaching, climbing and other physical activity, and frequent lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds. Extended seasonal hours may be required on occasion. The scheduled hours are 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.
• Ability to see the big picture while focusing on the processes and procedures needed to produce deliverables.
• Ability to establish and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivation and willingness to accept constructive feedback and grow in the position.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mentality.
• Ability to adapt and work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in Food Safety or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality testing on in-process samples and lot/load samples.
• Perform food safety, quality, and miscellaneous testing on samples.
• Calibrate and maintain analytical instrumentation and equipment.
• Complete daily check samples in North Freeze Dry computer programs.
• Maintain a clean environment for the lab and its instrumentation and equipment.
• Track testing supply inventory 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 company and customer requirements.
• Address food safety and quality problems arising during the shift, develop solutions, and take corrective and preventive actions.
• Assist with implementing internal quality documentation, including product specifications and QA procedures.
• Support and follow 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 project management involving product testing, product specifications, process improvement, and audits.
• Assist operators with quality determinations as needed.
• Execute North Freeze Dry's Vision, Mission, and Values and promote a positive, proactive environment where team input is valued.
• Provide backup support for other roles as necessary and perform other duties as 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, spouse, and family coverage options.
• Ancillary benefits including life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness insurance, 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 and 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