FSQ Technician I - nights

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

About the role

Quality Assurance Technician I is responsible for testing and inspecting products at various stages of production, compiles and evaluates statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the official release for all ingredients and finished goods.
• Perform micro duties including plating, reading and interpreting results against known specifications; requires basic math skills of averaging and knowledge of making dilutions.
• Conduct various micro testing on powders, liquids, swabs, filters and air samples.
• Perform preoperational inspections including equipment checks before production startup and taking ATP and micro swabs to validate results.
• Conduct incoming ingredient analysis including compositing powder samples, running various chemical, micro and physical analytical testing, and reporting results on a Certificate of Analysis; compare results against known standards for interpretation.
• Generate Certificates of Analysis for finished products according to customer specifications; tests may include Standard Plate count, Coliform, yeast & mold, viscosities, particle size, bulk density, moisture, solids, Dextrose Equivalency, protein, fat, scorched particle, pH, titratable acidity, flavor and separable solids; incorporate new tests as required by customers.
• Take aseptic samples twice per shift from various ports; sample finished product bags for troubleshooting as needed.
• Calibrate lab equipment and prepare chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
• Maintain housekeeping in work area and other areas listed on the master cleaning schedule.
• Conduct various QC audits throughout the facility.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Planning and organizing: ability to prioritize and use time efficiently.
• Effective communication: ability to convey discrepancies to Supervisor and key staff when problems are detected.
• Quality: demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; detail oriented.
• Quantity: ability to multitask and complete tasks on time or notify appropriate personnel with an alternate plan.
• Safety and Security: observes safety and security procedures; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Dependability: follows written instructions and Standard Operating Procedures; takes responsibility for own actions; maintains good attendance record.
• Ability to smell and taste.
• Ability to interpret various test results that involve color analysis.

Key Accountabilities

• Safety: Understands and demonstrates safe behaviors; provides feedback to production employees regarding safe behaviors; documents safety risks and communicates them appropriately; serves an active role in the plant safety program by attending safety meetings and participating in monthly safety inspections.
• Quality: Understands and demonstrates good GMPs; thoroughly understands sanitation processes; adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines; responsible for compliance to the HACCP for each process; reviews batch records for accuracy, neatness and completion; documents all incidents and deviations.
• Housekeeping: Ensures MSS tasks are distributed evenly and completed in a timely manner; maintains a clean and organized work environment; cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors.
• Communications: Maintains communication with employees and management; reduces downtime due to changeovers, scheduling, breakdowns; conducts accurate and complete Tier 1 shift handoff; communicates necessary maintenance plans and schedules.
• Teamwork and Training: Promotes and contributes to the development of teamwork among coworkers; assists in coaching and training employees as requested by management.
• Personal Development: Continuous improvement of knowledge of the soy base process.

Education/Experience

• High School diploma or GED.
• Background in Food Science or Microbiology preferred.
• Basic keyboarding skills are helpful but not necessary.
• At least two years’ experience in food manufacturing preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of basic math skills including weight calculations, averages and percentages.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills critical.

Other Qualifications

• Must be able to work 12-hour shifts as well as overnight.
• Travel to other facilities for training may be required.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Approximately 100% of work is performed in a manufacturing facility which is not climate controlled and may contain allergens.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds, occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to climb stairs, stand, kneel or crouch for long periods of time.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance