Quality Assurance (QA) Technician (1st Shift)

Ensures all records pertaining to HACCP, Pre-requisite programs, and SSOPs are reviewed for accuracy and any deficiencies are identified. Handles supply ordering for quality-related equipment, supplies, and services. Reports internal and external Quality and Production-related metrics.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing including but not limited to pH, sodium, color, drain weight, water activity, brix, and moisture.
• Perform verification of food safety and quality checks established in the KC-Everett Plant's HACCP/FSMA and Preventive Control Programs.
• Ensure Food Safety and Regulatory compliance of sanitation practices.
• Provide on-the-floor QA support to help with the investigation and troubleshooting of any food safety, quality, or process control-related issues.
• Assist QA management in the collection of data for improving products and systems as necessary, relating to food safety and quality (Statistical Process Controls).
• Ensure work areas on the floor follow plant GMP requirements and meet all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Perform verification system checks to ensure sanitation systems are on track, including daily pre-operational sanitation checks (inspections, APC, ATP, and Environmental monitoring).
• Assist QA and R&D as needed during special batch runs.
• Assist QA and Operations in conformance checks of ingredients, packaging, and finished product to ensure they meet established specifications.
• Work in a safe manner and follow all Kettle Cuisine standards, along with Federal, State, and Local regulations for occupational safety.
• Assist QA and site in accomplishing the KC-Everett Plant and QA departmental goals and objectives.
• Model and support Kettle’s Core Values and safety culture.
• Create a culture of accountability & performance.
• Drive a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Plan work, track results, and resolve variances.

Requirements

• 2-year technical degree or 4-year college program in Food Science, Quality, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of HACCP and USDA/FDA regulations.
• HACCP certification preferred.
• Inventory and database management experience preferred.
• Ability to identify and create processes and write procedures.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or the business community.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and email systems.
• Thrives in a challenging, entrepreneurial atmosphere; open to change and creating change.

Skills

• Ability to multitask with an extremely high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, team player, generates enthusiasm, and builds effective working environments.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Positive attitude and motivated by contributing to the overall success of the team.
• Able to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Obsessive attention to detail, well organized, and able to juggle many projects at once.
• Comfortable moving at a fast pace and in ambiguous environments.
• Passionate about food.
• Willing to address difficult situations head-on with patience and respect.

Level of Responsibility

Works with little supervision, but work is reviewed. Exercises discretion within areas of responsibility. Recommends actions and alternatives to supervisor and others. Position has little to no contact with customers. Makes indirect contributions to efforts that generate moderate levels of revenue. Decisions or actions may have a moderate impact on other departments and/or external relationships of the organization. Errors are usually detected after the fact and may result in moderate interruption and delays in work output.

Pay

$21.00-$26.00/hour (DOE) plus shift differentials if applicable ($1 on 2nd shift, $2 on 3rd shift).

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance at low cost or no cost.
• 401K Matching.
• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave.
• Paid Holidays.
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave.
• Life Insurance and Disability Insurance.
• Tuition Assistance.

Schedule

Must have availability and flexibility to work different shifts and days, sometimes for weeks at a time, to provide support and training. Must be able to work weekends and overtime as required.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work requires occasional physical exertion, including some lifting of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Work performed requires moderate concentration to effectively execute moderately complex tasks.
• Work occasionally requires some degree of visual effort for periods of time.
• Employee works in a manufacturing setting with some exposure to heat, cold, dust, or other factors of minor inconvenience.
• The position has some exposure to hazards that might cause minor injury.

Core Values

• Honor Food – We create and produce the best tasting, safest, all-natural recipes that strive for perfection in every batch, from bench to kettle.
• Honor Each Other – We seek to develop trusting, respectful, and mutually rewarding relationships with all our team members and business partners.
• Honor Development – We recognize and nurture each other’s talents, strengths, and interests in order to further strengthen and grow our team.
• Honor Innovation – We continually strive for creative and sustainable ways to achieve excellence.