QA Technician

Position Overview

1st Shift: 6AM - 2PM Monday - Friday; Saturdays as needed
2nd Shift: 2PM - 10PM Monday - Friday; Saturdays as needed
3rd Shift: 10PM - 6AM Sunday-Thursday; Fridays as needed
2-2-3 Schedule: 6AM - 6PM or 6PM - 6AM

Responsibilities

• Comply with all SQF and USDA regulatory issues and food safety requirements, and act as Food Safety Representative.
• Complete a facility-wide pre-op visual inspection to confirm sanitation status of production areas prior to beginning daily production; write up Corrective Actions as needed, and address and resolve issues prior to start-up.
• Conduct Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure (SSOP) inspections twice per shift while plant is in production; complete inspection form and file.
• Communicate daily with the USDA representative, addressing all issues in a timely manner.
• Review Certificates of Analysis for all received raw goods.
• Absorb Stuffing Room Operators with brine set-up; take water samples and maintain hourly salt/brine log tracking to specification.
• Ensure compliance to HACCP Plan by completing periodic net weight checks, color readings, Perfect Package checks, hourly temperature checks, hourly metal detector checks, drive unit/water temperature checks, salt pH/temperature checks, and assisting with smoke tests as needed.
• Collect product samples during the production run; conduct length/weight analyses, periodic sensory evaluations and complete appropriate forms.
• Collect and package product samples for testing by Food Safety Net Service (FSNS) daily; complete Sample Submission forms.
• Check Metal Detector Rejections and Leaker logs for completeness and maintain file.
• Calibrate test equipment (pH meter, colorimeter, thermometers, etc.) and verify scales for accuracy throughout the facility.
• Maintain Reprocessed Product Logs, entering process/reprocess date and new code date into the system, and maintaining files.
• Collect information and documentation related to foreign material incidents.
• Assist with the decision to place product on QA Hold or remove from Hold as necessary; send Hold notifications to communicate, complete appropriate forms and update the Hold Log.
• Participate in organoleptics to evaluate product for extended shelf life, formulation changes, etc.
• Ensure partner compliance with all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as required.
• Follows all lockout/tag-out procedures without fail.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations per established company policies.
• Support the Lean Manufacturing initiatives of the company.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Experience

• A minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalency is normally required.
• An Associate’s degree in Quality or related field is preferred.
• Previous Quality experience in a USDA-FSIS regulated food manufacturing environment would also be preferred.
• If non-degreed, must normally have a minimum of 6 months experience as a production Line Worker with Backup QA experience.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and with changing environmental conditions, including heat, cold and wet.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Basic computer proficiencies in a Windows environment, preferably with Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Previous Internet experience and MAS 500 or related integrated manufacturing software system is strongly preferred.
• Basic, accurate math skills.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit and talk or hear.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to lift boxes of product weighing up to 30#.
• Depth perception, close vision and color vision.
• Sense of taste and smell in order to complete sensory evaluations of product.

Benefits And Compensation

• Full-time Partners at Salm have access to a wide range of benefits designed to support their well-being and future.
• This includes a 401(k) with a company match, health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as an optional Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Salm also provides company-paid short-term disability and life insurance policies.
• Full-time Partners enjoy paid time off (PTO) and the opportunity to grow within a values-driven and team-focused environment.
• Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and position.

Qualifications

• Eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
• Salm Partners is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability.