Quality Assurance Technician - Nights

At Winland Foods, quality isn’t just part of the process—it’s who we are. Guided by our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration, our Food Quality Team Members ensure that every product we make is safe, consistent, and worthy of the trust our consumers place in us.

About the role

As a Food Quality Team Member, you will be on the front line of protecting our standards and reputation. From performing critical inspections to supporting continuous improvement initiatives, you’ll play a hands-on role in making sure every product reflects our commitment to excellence. You’ll collaborate closely with production and sanitation teams, using your attention to detail and integrity to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and Winland’s high expectations. This role is more than checking boxes—it’s about leading with care, protecting consumer well-being, and ensuring every bite of our food delivers on Winland’s promise of quality and consistency.

Employee Type: Full time
Location: Grand Forks, ND
Work Location: 1801 N 36th St, Grand Forks, ND 58203

Schedule

Rotating A/B Schedule: (3) days one week and (4) days the next, 12-hour shift, 7:00am to 7:30pm

Pay

$24.50 per hour, based on experience and other qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform daily inspections, environmental swabbing, and product inspections
• Verify compliance with established standards
• Perform preventive maintenance on Quality equipment
• Conduct and oversee tasks like 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
• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation
• Participate in and assist in leading internal audits
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and investigate customer complaints
• Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute 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; Degree in Biology, Chemistry or Food Science preferred
• 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
• Near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others at the worksite regarding work matters, mostly conducted in English
• Ability to understand and respond to oral communications, understand written information, communications, and safety information
• Ability to communicate in writing as needed
• Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a proactive, team-oriented mindset
• Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members
• 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

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently
• Good hand-eye coordination and motor skills
• 20/20 corrected vision, including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas
• Normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed)
• 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