Job Overview
The Quality Assurance Technician 1 is responsible for maintaining quality control standards and ongoing quality control objectives, including the company’s inspection and product release programs for incoming, in-process, and finished goods. This role conducts hourly evaluations, audits, plant inspections, and quality system audits, and reports non-conformities while supporting root-cause analysis and corrective action. A minimum of three years of equivalent work experience in a food and beverage manufacturing environment is required. The QA Tech 1 reports to the Quality & Food Safety Supervisor.
Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and maintaining Quality Improvement policies and procedures that meet legal requirements and standards.
- Support the establishment of the plant’s Quality Improvement Program through auditing and close collaboration with the production team.
- Ensure workers engaged in inspection and testing activities conform to GMPs and maintain high productivity and technical integrity.
- Maintain and calibrate laboratory testing equipment.
- Utilize basic computer skills to send and receive emails, post information to databases or spreadsheets, and perform basic word processing, including writing non-conformances and GMP audits.
- Enforce all GMP standards.
- Read, write, and interpret documents such as safety rules, procedure manuals, and operating and maintenance instructions.
- Perform basic math, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
- Solve practical problems and handle variables in situations with limited standardization. Make effective decisions based on clearly defined procedures and standard practices.
- Work independently with limited supervision while maintaining a team-oriented approach.
- Interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
- Maintain a positive attitude with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Track data using temperature logs and perform sanitation tunnel water testing.
- Conduct hourly analytical product testing and retain sample testing.
- Provide expertise to teams as needed.
- Maintain quality control standards and ongoing quality control objectives, including inspection and product release programs for incoming, in-process, and finished goods.
- Conduct hourly evaluations, audits, plant inspections, and quality system audits.
- Communicate quality control philosophy to key personnel.
- Provide and oversee inspection activity throughout the production cycle.
- Report non-conformities and advise on quality problems to determine root cause and implement corrective action.
- Report food safety and quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.
- Ensure maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Quality & Food Safety Supervisor or Manager.
Skills
- Strong analytical skills and knowledge of statistical tools.
- Ability to develop and follow quality policies, procedures, and measurement systems.
- Strong understanding of GMPs, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-based skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
- High attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to use laboratory equipment such as refractometers, titrators, pH meters, color meters, consistometers, gauges, and torque meters.
- Ability to maintain accuracy and timeliness in data recording.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum of three (3) years of equivalent work experience in a food and beverage manufacturing environment.
- Associate degree in Food Science/Technology or related field preferred.
- SQF Practitioner with experience implementing, verifying, and validating SQF programs.
- 1–3 years of quality experience.
- Demonstrated experience developing quality policies, procedures, and measurement systems.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; Oracle experience desirable.
- Strong analytical aptitude and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work across departments and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ability to record data accurately and in a timely manner.
Pay: $18.25 - $19.24 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
