Plant Quality Technician (SugarCreek)

Description Summary

Open for 2nd shift. Conduct different types of quality/safety tests and checks to determine quality of raw materials, products currently being processed and finished products. Perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food products, documenting all results accurately and timely and reporting any deviations to Plant Management.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform pre‑operational sanitation review of the food processing environment and equipment.
• Sample environmental surfaces, finished product and ingredients for microbiological and chemistry attributes to monitor hygienic conditions and chemical characteristics.
• Collect packages and perform tests associated with the specified acceptable quality limits (AQLs), such as weight, temperature, verification of package code dates and magnet checks.
• Print labels on the label machine if required.
• Place product on hold when it does not meet AQLs.
• Report all product standard deviations to Production Supervisor to initiate immediate correction protocol.
• Inform the Plant FSQA Manager and Plant FSQA Supervisor of any food safety/quality issues or concerns.
• Verify the acceptability of ingredients and packaging materials based on internal specification for the product.
• Document and maintain concise and accurate records for Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment.
• Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures and regulations.
• Support all safety, food quality and sanitation initiatives and policies.
• Follow Sugar Creek Packing Co. safety rules and procedures.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience in a quality assurance role in a food manufacturing setting preferred.
• Certification Requirements: None required.

Abilities, Knowledge, and Skills Required

• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, the Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) and USDA standards.
• Proficiency with computers, tablets, and Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to perform sanitation reviews of equipment.
• Competence using basic equipment and tools such as scales, calipers, magnets, thermometers, sieve shaker machine, salometer, and Mocon O₂ analyzer.
• Critical‑thinking skills for identifying strengths and weaknesses, employing inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Effective verbal and written communication, especially with management.
• Positive attitude, openness to constructive criticism, strong work ethic, and desire to learn.

Other Requirements

No unusual physical requirements. Physical demands are consistent with quality assurance technician positions, primarily sitting with some standing/walking, occasional stair use, and moving items weighing less than 15 lb.

Work Environment

• Some travel to other locations may be required.
• Work is performed in a comfortable, indoor, office‑like area and in an indoor manufacturing facility near heavy and hazardous machinery.
• Safety wear required: hard hat, hairnet, hearing protection, safety glasses, steel‑toe boots, coats, and other necessary equipment.
• Very little work is performed outside the manufacturing facility.