Quality Technician - 1st Shift

About the role

This is an hourly position at the Manteno plant, reporting to the Quality Supervisor. The QC Technician performs hands‑on routine and non‑routine analysis of raw materials, in‑process and finished products using a variety of testing devices and procedures to maintain product quality and food safety, and conducts GMP compliance inspections to ensure product safety and overall quality specifications are consistently met.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical tests on raw materials & finished products using standard methods of analysis as per established procedures.
• Conduct various QC tests (Titratable Acidity, Total Salt, Viscosity, Moisture, pH, metal detector etc.) as per protocol, document results & ensure consistent specification compliance.
• Maintain an orderly record of all test results in SafetyChain, the company web‑based Food Safety & Quality Systems database.
• Perform equipment calibrations (pH meter, weighing scale, thermometer, viscometer etc.).
• Perform weight monitoring as per SOP, alert production on any non‑compliance for prompt adjustment.
• Perform product leak detection tests as per SOP; alert production on any non‑compliance for prompt adjustments that need to be completed before proceeding with packing operation.
• Conduct QCP & CCP tests - pH & metal detector as per protocol, documents results & confirms specs compliance using SafetyChain Food Safety & QM systems.
• Perform in‑coming raw material testing, ensure specs conformance, & document results.
• Verify batch & finished goods compliance with all specifications including labeling, packaging, code dating & other customer specific requirements.
• Conduct sensory tests on finished products, compare with standard & ensure product consistency; promptly reports non‑compliance to the QC Supervisor.
• Collect retention samples for future reference; ensure organized storage & periodic disposal following required retention period according to product types.
• Ensure that control samples for batch check reference are replaced as per SOP; keeps control samples organized for efficient collection as needed for reference.
• Collect samples for micro testing as needed, following sampling guidelines & storage.
• Inspect products retained for shelf life to substantiate product defect claim during the process of customer complaints investigation.
• Prepare flavors as needed per pick list required by production.
• Ensure that only approved specs deviation is used in actual production.
• Perform swab test, allergen test as per established procedures, documents result in SafetyChain.
• Promptly report to the Supervisor or Manager any non‑compliant critical results on batch or finished goods testing or if any corrective action does not resolve issues.
• Put “HOLD” tag on non‑conforming products, record in the MRB/SafetyChain; remove tag as soon as management disposition is issued.
• Participate in work areas inspection to detect unsafe conditions.
• Participate in Root Cause analysis & corrective action development involving customer complaint or any nonconformance.
• Assist in product test runs, equipment validation as needed by QC Supervisor or R&D.
• Inspect incoming materials for conformance to company standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Required degree or technical background in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, etc. or equivalent work experience.
• Competence in math & analytical calculations.
• Good organization skills & detailed reporting skills.
• Good communication & interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience in a food manufacturing environment is an advantage.

Pay

$54,080 per year.