Quality Control Technician

Saputo • Gustine, CA

7d

About The Position

The Quality Control Technician serves as the subject matter expert for the production shift and monitors production areas to inspect product quality. The role samples and analyzes raw ingredients, packaging materials, and finished dairy products against established specifications and controls; documents and reports actual or potential quality deviations; and recommends corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). The technician supports quality control throughout the facility and a 24/7 manufacturing operation, with shifts and workdays subject to change to cover absences, downtime, or quality events such as audits.

The position also supports audits, mock recalls, product recalls, consumer complaint investigations, product holds, and customer certificates of analysis. The technician must comply with quality procedures, regulatory requirements, laboratory housekeeping standards, and the Saputo Code of Ethics and Company Values.

Requirements

• Ability to apply and interpret analytical and microbiological/bacteriological test results.
• Ability to identify and communicate out-of-specification results and follow notification protocols.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records and complete testing documentation.
• Ability to prepare laboratory stock solutions and calibrate and maintain testing equipment.
• Ability to pass and maintain applicable regulatory certifications or licensing requirements.
• Strong math skills.
• Strong computer and business skills, including SAP, Microsoft Office, email, copying, and scanning.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with noise and changing hot, wet, cold, and humid temperatures.
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, bend, stoop, climb stairs, and maneuver around manufacturing equipment throughout a shift.
• Ability to work with chemicals, wear personal protective equipment, and follow approved chemical handling procedures.
• Good visual acuity and ability to distinguish colors.
• Sensory ability to taste, smell, and evaluate odors and flavors.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds intermittently, including lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Shift flexibility to support a 24/7 manufacturing facility; workdays and shifts may change to cover vacations, absences, plant downtime, or quality-related events.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree with a concentration in Food or Dairy Science.
• Previous experience with food quality specifications, physical and analytical testing, process control monitoring, and positive release documentation, or similar experience requiring strict adherence to protocol.
• Advanced quality or food safety training and/or certifications.
• Working understanding of food manufacturing acronyms and practices, including SQF, QA/QC, CQP, QAP, HACCP, SOP, 5S, and GMP.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples and conduct physical, analytical, microbiological, and bacteriological testing of raw ingredients, packaging materials, and finished dairy products according to established guidelines; apply and interpret results.
• Collect product samples from production lines as required by testing procedures.
• Identify and communicate out-of-specification results and follow established notification protocols.
• Maintain organized quality control records and filing; complete testing documents accurately and enter data into the system.
• Prepare stock solutions used in the laboratory.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory testing equipment.
• Conduct environmental control swabbing after cleanup and CIP/SIP, and report deviations.
• Support consumer complaint investigations and internal and external audits.
• Support mock and product recall program guidelines.
• Prepare and process production records to isolate out-of-specification products and products subject to standard deviations, on-hold status, or regulatory holds.
• Prepare and distribute customer certificates of analysis.
• Perform quality control functions throughout the facility and maintain required state regulatory licenses or certificates.
• Maintain laboratory housekeeping according to established guidelines.
• Comply with Quality Assurance Procedures and federal, state, and local dairy food regulations.
• Adhere to the Saputo Code of Ethics and Company Values and work professionally with coworkers and other departments.
• Perform other duties as required by management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree