Quality Assurance Technician II

About the role

The Quality Assurance Technician II performs routine daily tasks that ensure manufactured products meet food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements. This position involves a wide variety of interactions with all members of the plant team and exposure to the entire manufacturing process, while maintaining USDA and Food Safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily inspections including pre-operative and Food Safety checks to ensure sanitary line conditions before start-up.
• Document and communicate inspection results to the Lead Quality Technician.
• Perform daily operating inspections to ensure compliance with GMP’s and USDA requirements.
• Conduct CCP/CQP checks, including hourly metal detector tests, temperature verifications, and code date verifications.
• Ensure ATP swab tests are performed daily and weekly on the line; conduct tests when necessary.
• Monitor HACCP Critical Control Points.
• Perform in-bound raw and packaging material checks to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Calibrate lab equipment such as scales, pH meters, and salt analyzers.
• Conduct Organic start-up tests, including verifying no unauthorized cleaner was used, the line was triple rinsed, and pH 7 is maintained.
• Perform Food Safety & Quality Audits, including production room/storage temperature checks and daily operational inspections.
• Change thermometer recorder charts as needed.
• Maintain stock of laboratory and production supplies; inform supervisor of supply issues.
• Act as a liaison with USDA.
• Implement Code Date Sheets requirements to verify correct expiration/code information on finished products.
• Report and follow up on Food Safety and Food Quality concerns; stop the line for major findings.
• Lead pizza line coverage checks and notify supervisors of all downtimes.
• Enforce all Food Safety PPE/GMP requirements and report any concerns.
• Serve as the first line of defense for reporting food safety/food quality issues and provide corrective actions.
• Collaborate with departments to resolve issues in real time and maintain thorough documentation.
• Conduct in-depth observations and monthly audits, including Glass and Brittle Plastic audits.
• Perform inventory adjustments for lot code clarifications in the ERP system.
• Place products on hold both physically and systematically in the ERP system.
• Verify disposal of materials per RFI disposal process.
• Handle daily SL extension requests, releases, and holds (training required).
• Provide primary support for Active Release review and approval.
• Review inbound and outbound documentation.
• Support shipping/receiving internal audits.
• Manage COA (Certificate of Analysis) follow-up and approvals.
• Support OOS (Out of Specification) and DA (Deviation Authorization) form creation, follow-up, and program maintenance.
• Support, review, and reconcile product and ingredient holds.
• Serve as backup for NSTL (Non-Standard Test Lab) Technician.
• Support QA technicians on the plant floor as needed.
• Assist in customer complaint investigations, including document retrieval, retain retrieval, and sensory/cooking verifications.
• Create foreign material reports for internal findings and conduct root cause investigations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a food manufacturing environment within a QA capacity.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework completed in food science, microbiology, or a related degree.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage conflict in stressful situations while maintaining composure and perspective.
• Problem-solving skills: ability to identify, define, and solve problems.
• Strong initiative and ability to work collaboratively to achieve results.
• A sense of accountability for results.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work cooperatively and maintain professional working relationships.
• Ability to read and understand formula sheets.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and power industrial trucks. The employee is frequently exposed to cold, wet, and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Pay

The starting hourly rate is $24.00. This position may also be eligible for overtime pay.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pre-tax spending accounts.
• 401K with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Life insurance.