QA lab tech

About the role

At Winland Foods, you will be part of the Food Quality Team, ensuring every product meets our high standards of quality, safety, and consistency.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily inspections, environmental swabbing, and product inspections to verify compliance with established standards.
• Operate and maintain quality equipment.
• Conduct and oversee tasks such as sensory testing, label verification, and analytical testing to ensure product attributes are correct.
• Understand and follow plant policies for placing materials on hold and collecting retention samples.
• Assist with inventory control for approved suppliers following FIFO practices.
• Help with customer sample requests and microbiological testing for shipping requirements.
• Communicate quality results to other teams within the plant.
• Lead facility inspections and assist with a variety of quality checks and audits.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
• Participate in internal auditing and assist in leading internal audits.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and investigate customer complaints.
• Absorb and adapt to operational changes, contributing to productivity, safety, and quality goals.
• Provide backup coverage for multiple roles, share knowledge with peers, and support training.
• Assist with SOP development and training.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration.
• Manage specialized quality programs and documentation, using technical skills in systems like SAP and other quality management software.
• Prepare accurate written documentation.
• Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP.
• Ensure precision in recording and reporting test results.
• Support plant trials, process improvements, and cost savings projects.
• Participate in 5S efforts.
• Assist in reviewing quality paperwork and document control programs.
• Work with supervisors and team to develop solutions to issues.
• Act as 5S champion for area.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of work experience in manufacturing or food production.
• 18+ years of age.
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and advise on minor adjustments to formulas or processes.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve quality irregularities.
• Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills.
• Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.
• Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed.
• Good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision.
• Normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed).
• Ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.
• Wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment.
• Adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.
• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.

Qualifications

• Positive attitude, dependable, self-motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.

Skills

• Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance
• Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management
• Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance
• Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training
• Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with match
• STD/LTD/AD&D/Life
• HSA
• FSA
• EAP
• Hospital indemnity
• Accident Insurance
• Identity and Fraud Protection Plan
• Legal
• Critical Illness

Pay

$21.40 per hour

Schedule

1st Shift Monday - Friday 7am - 3:30 pm with rotating weekends
or
2nd Shift Monday - Friday 3 pm - 11:30 pm with rotating weekends