Quality Control Technician (2nd Shift)

Key Responsibilities

• HACCP, SQF Code for Manufacturing, SOPs, SSOPs, GMPs, Labeling Requirements, Pest Control, Allergen Management, Technical Release, Incoming Goods Inspection, and company food safety and quality related standards.
• Fulfill core responsibilities as outlined in the QA Skills Matrix.
• Follows all company policies, procedures and work instructions.
• Technical Support to Line Leads and Supervisors to ensure the daily records are completed accurately.
• Conduct Daily Pre-Op inspections and ensure that all GMPs/SSOPs/PRPs are adequate.
• Inspect Operations, Chemical Storages, Dry Ingredient Storage, Warehouse (Shipping/Receiving) during shifts for deficiencies.
• Write Daily Operational SSOP reports to reflect factory conditions of Sanitation, GMPs and Food Defense.
• Support appropriate zoning patterns, product traffic, and allergen controls.
• Ensure that all materials (partial ingredients, totes, barrels, tubs, crates, inedible containers, spray bottles, WIP, etc.) are properly identified within processing areas.
• Perform Process Control checks at a minimum twice per shift.
• Be knowledgeable on how to pull and pack product samples and coordinate analysis with approved Labs on ingredients, environmental sampling, and finished products.
• Master the basic understanding of HACCP, Sanitation, Chemicals, Factory Master SSOP, Safety, and SDS.
• Responsible for timely reporting and addressing food safety issues.
• Randomly monitor spice room, kitchen activities, salad production, and proper ingredient usage.
• Evaluate and ensure ingredients expiration dates to be used within supplier’s shelf-life.
• Ensure that FIFO is used every time in every department.
• Hold outdated ingredients and questionable products by following the Hold Release program.
• Monitor the adequacy of the HACCP plans. Conduct the Verification and Direct Observation of the CCP(s).
• Calibrate and ensure the working conditions of all HACCP monitoring devices such as metal detectors, x-ray equipment, and thermometers as well as the proper packaging, labeling and date coding of finished goods.
• Conduct monthly PRP audits, and participate in internal audit program as assigned.
• Conduct sensory evaluations of raw material, WIP, and finished products to evaluate compliance to Essential Quality Attributes (EQA).
• Support employee locker inspections as well as all locked cabinets in the facility for possible nonconforming materials.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience (Preferred): 1-3 years in food manufacturing, regulatory compliance, or quality assurance roles.
• Certifications (Preferred): HACCP, PCQI, SQF Practitioner, Internal Auditing.
• Skills: Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written). Respectful communication is required. Risk Based Decision Making, collaborating and communicating decisions (and the reasons behind them, the WHY) in a timely manner to adequately support operations and customer needs. Ability to collect data, troubleshoot problems, and propose/implement corrective actions. Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Experience in FDA food codes and regulations is preferred. Knowledge of GMP's, SSOP's FSIS and HCCAP requirements is desirable. Certifications would be a plus. Good judgement and proper execution of all duties is essential. Poor judgment or non-execution of duties could result in food safety or inferior quality products reaching consumers, regulatory violations and/or loss of business. Ability to work independently and with the team collaborating on daily activities. Must have strong attention to detail in both observations and documentation/record keeping. Knowledge of food safety and quality regulations (HACCP, GMP, SQF, USDA, FDA). Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and compliance or quality management systems. Basic understanding of safety regulations and protocols. Bi-lingual in both English and Spanish is preferred.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Office/Lab (20%): Examples include Data collection, documentation, and sample preparation.
• Plant Floor (80%): Refrigerated and wet environments; requires lifting and standing. Exposure to occupational noise. Must be able to lift and move heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) and stand for extended periods. Exposure to hazardous chemicals and high temperature water. Must be able to wear personal protective gear for parts, or most of the day. Must be able to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays as needed.

Benefits

• Annual holiday bonus program;
• 401k company contribution with company match up to 5%;
• Starting at 2 weeks paid time off;
• 10+ calendar holidays;
• Up to 12 weeks paid parental bonding leave;
• Employee assistance program;
• Comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs;
• Pet insurance, legal shield and identity theft protection;
• Short-term and long-term disability plans.