Quality Assurance Technician - LB

Paradise Tomato Kitchen•Los Banos, CA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Technician is responsible for food safety and quality, ensuring our products meet customer requirements and expectations. This position performs quality testing, microbiological testing, maintains laboratory equipment and supplies, manages nonconforming materials, performs audits and line inspections, and directs the preparation of food. Additionally, the Quality Technician supports plant studies, employee training, rework/hold oversight, and other assigned duties. The Quality Technician is an authority on shift, aiding in the disposition of product. They are responsible for managing and documenting any Food Safety or Quality incident that occurs on their line/shift. It is expected for the Quality Technician to work in direct partnership with the Production Supervisor and Maintenance Technicians to support employee safety, plant efficiency, and plant sanitation. The performance of the Quality Technician is evaluated annually by the Quality Manager and/or Supervisor.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent years of experience.
Leadership and team communications skills.
Basic mathematical and reasoning skills.
Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

Perform daily pre-shift walk-throughs, noting any immediate SSQE (food/work safety, sanitation, quality, or efficiency) issues.
Inspect incoming ingredients, corrugate, and other raw material and compare against supplier Certificate of Analysis per Paradise Quality Programs.
Print required production paperwork per product to maintain proper document control practices.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain all lab equipment.
Perform and record analytical testing for batches made as well as finished product to ensure product stays within all specifications.
Make routine batch adjustments as needed per nonconformities.
Verify kit tickets, packing codes, and recipe per the Production Summary Sheet at the beginning of and throughout the shift. Report nonconformities to the Quality Supervisor/Manager and Production Supervisor.
Ensure signatures are captured for quality checks on both Production and Quality documents.
Ensure all necessary retain samples are pulled on every production run.
Ensure retain room remains clean, organized, and out of date product has been properly disposed of.
Perform microbiological testing on all finished products.
Read and record microbiological test results at the required time.
Record analytical data for Certificate of Analysis creation. Create Certificate of Analysis where applicable.
Scan and file run documentation to proper database for each production run.
Audit production lines for proper packaging. Observations include, but are not limited to, pouch alignment on conveyors, glue patterns on boxes, tape patterns on boxes, packaging seals, cooler water temperatures, etc.
Train other employees on Quality policies, procedures, and programs.
Label, record, and move in ERP system any Rework or Hold products that occur on shift.
Create and send out Food Safety Quality Incident (FSQI) reports regarding all incidents that occur on shift.
Lead and direct the production group when related food safety or quality incidents occur.
Other duties as assigned.