Quality Assurance Technician

Location: Canton Plant

Reports To: Director, Quality Assurance

Department: Quality Assurance

About the Role:

Hey there! We're looking for a detail-oriented Quality Assurance Technician to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring our products are safe, high-quality, and meet all the necessary regulations. You'll be key in maintaining our standards by conducting inspections, testing samples, monitoring production, and keeping accurate records. If you're passionate about quality and enjoy collaborating to make things better, this could be a great opportunity for you!

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct Inspections: You'll perform routine inspections of raw materials, ingredients, and finished products to make sure they meet our high standards.
• Test Samples: You'll collect and test product samples, checking important factors like taste, texture, appearance, and nutritional content.
• Monitor Processes: You'll keep a close eye on food production processes to ensure they comply with food safety standards (think temperature, cleanliness, and hygiene).
• Documentation: You'll maintain accurate and up-to-date records of inspections, tests, and production processes, ensuring we're always compliant with regulations.
• Corrective Actions: When issues pop up, you'll team up with production to implement corrective actions and improve our processes to prevent future problems.
• Internal Audits: You might conduct internal audits to ensure we're sticking to company standards, ISO certifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Training Staff: You may also help train production staff on best practices for food safety and quality.
• Report Issues: You'll identify any non-compliance or issues and report them to supervisors or management, helping us maintain the highest quality in our food products.
• Equipment Calibration: You'll ensure that all testing and production equipment is calibrated correctly and working as it should.
• Safety and Cleanliness: You'll maintain a clean and safe working area, follow all safety protocols (including proper lifting and PPE use), and ensure compliance with company policies and OSHA regulations.
• Other Duties: We're a team, so other duties may be assigned as needed. Management may also modify, change, or add to these duties at any time.

What You’ll Need:

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field (preferred).
• 1-3 Years of experience in quality assurance, food safety, or production in the food industry.
• Experience in performing inspections, conducting tests, and understanding food safety regulations (like HACCP and GMPs) is highly valued.
• HACCP Certification.
• Experience in a BRC certified plant.
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) knowledge.

Bonus Points:

• Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment or quality control instruments.
• Experience in data documentation and reporting (using Microsoft Office or specialized software).

Key Skills:

• Attention to Detail: You're great at spotting inconsistencies or deviations in product quality.
• Communication Skills: You can clearly report issues and work effectively with production teams.
• Problem-Solving Skills: You're able to identify the root causes of quality issues and suggest corrective actions.
• Knowledge of Food Safety Regulations: You have a good understanding of food safety laws and standards (like FDA, USDA, and FSMA).

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands are described in the Essential Functions section.
• You should be able to communicate verbally and in writing, be independently mobile, and use a computer and keyboard.
• This role involves regularly sitting, standing, walking, reaching, stretching, stooping, and bending for extended periods.
• Ability to lift/carry 25 to 60 lbs.
• May involve exposure to noise levels that require hearing protection.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.