Quality Assurance Technician
About the role
The Quality Assurance Technician ensures that products meet strict food safety and quality standards by performing laboratory testing, on-floor quality checks, and documentation in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role follows cGMP and BRC standards, conducts investigations and root-cause analysis, supports continuous improvement through SOP updates and internal audits, and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and leadership. The technician works both independently and as part of a team to maintain compliance, support production, and provide accurate data entry and reporting using Excel.
Responsibilities
- Follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and BRC standards in all daily activities within the facility.
- Perform quality control checks on the production floor to ensure in-process products meet established specifications.
- Conduct laboratory testing of raw materials and in-process products, including titrations and microbiology testing.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment according to food safety and quality standards.
- Advise on updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect process changes and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Conduct internal audits to verify compliance with food safety, GMP, and BRC requirements.
- Perform investigations and root-cause analysis when quality or food safety issues arise, and document findings and corrective actions.
- Complete accurate data entry and reporting using Excel, including maintaining lab documentation and quality records.
- Support documentation control by organizing, updating, and maintaining quality and laboratory records.
- Communicate cross-functionally with all manufacturing departments and leadership to address quality concerns and support production needs.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Quality Manager and other technicians on shift to ensure consistent quality practices.
- Work both independently and as part of a team to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a 24/7 production environment.
- Apply knowledge of food safety, chemistry, microbiology, and biology to monitor and improve product quality.
- Support training initiatives by following established training programs and contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in food quality within a food manufacturing or laboratory environment.
- Hands-on experience with titrations and microbiology testing.
- Working knowledge of food safety, GMP, and BRC standards.
- Experience in quality assurance and quality control in a food-related setting.
- Proficiency with mathematics, computer usage, and data entry.
- Intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
- Ability to follow and maintain laboratory documentation and documentation control processes.
- Understanding of laboratory practices, chemistry, food science, and microbiological testing.
- Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and leadership.
- Capability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in testing, documentation, and reporting.
Skills
- Experience working with lab equipment in a food manufacturing setting.
- Familiarity with internal auditing processes and root-cause analysis.
- Interest in continued education and professional development in quality and leadership.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a 24/7 production environment.
Work Environment
This role is based in a food manufacturing plant that operates 24/7. The position is on third shift, working Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. There is an Assistant Quality Manager and three technicians on each shift, providing a supportive and collaborative team environment. The organization emphasizes promoting from within, offering opportunities for advancement and supporting continued education, including quality and leadership courses. Team members may receive incentives for perfect attendance, successful completion of the training period, and transition to permanent employment, and the company encourages a strong work-life balance by aiming to provide two consecutive days off, including a weekend day, and by requesting rather than mandating overtime whenever possible.
The work involves frequent movement between production areas and cold storage; technicians will be in and out of freezers throughout the day, and freezer jackets are provided. In accordance with GMP guidelines, team members may not wear artificial nails, artificial eyelashes, or visible jewelry while on duty. The dress code requires closed-toed shoes, long pants, and long-sleeve shirts, and a uniform is provided to support a clean and safe working environment.
Pay & Benefits
Pay: $20.25/hr. This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hazleton, PA.
Benefits (if eligible for this temporary role) may include:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)