Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance (QA) Operator – 1st Shift

Pay Rate: $22.00/hour

Shift: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Weekend work may be required based on business needs.

Required PPE: Steel-Toe Shoes

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Quality Assurance Operator to support food safety, quality, GMP compliance, and product inspection activities in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for conducting quality checks throughout the production process, performing laboratory testing, verifying compliance with food safety standards, and ensuring products meet established specifications before release.

Key Responsibilities

Quality & Production Monitoring

• Conduct quality inspections and documentation throughout the manufacturing process.
• Verify compliance with GMP, food safety, sanitation, and security requirements.
• Place products on hold when specifications are not met and communicate findings to production teams.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and quality documentation.

Milk Receiving

• Collect samples and complete required paperwork.
• Perform temperature, butterfat, acidity, and pH testing.
• Conduct organoleptic (sensory) evaluations.

Ingredient & Kettle Verification

• Perform temperature, pH, salt, Brix, and viscosity testing.
• Verify product specifications and complete kettle release procedures.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and documentation.

Filling & Packaging Operations

• Verify metal detector and X-ray systems.
• Perform seal integrity, code date, weight, labeling, and packaging inspections.
• Collect and maintain retain samples.
• Complete production quality documentation.

Laboratory & Microbiology Testing

• Collect environmental, water, and product samples.
• Perform microbiological testing, plating, and incubation procedures.
• Support shelf-life, milk, egg, and environmental monitoring programs.

Pre-Operational Inspections

• Conduct ATP and allergen swabbing.
• Verify sanitizer concentrations, magnets, coolers, and sanitation readiness.
• Complete pre-operational documentation and inspections.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety and quality standards.
• Ability to understand and apply science-based concepts and testing procedures.
• Basic algebra and math skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions regarding product quality.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Preferred

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Previous QA, laboratory, food manufacturing, or food safety experience.
• Experience working with GMP, HACCP, SQF, or FDA-regulated environments.

Physical Requirements

• Standing for the majority of the shift.
• Climbing ladders and platforms up to 8 feet.
• Working in hot, cold, and manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to typical production facility noise levels.

Ideal Candidate

• Detail-oriented and analytical.
• Comfortable working in both production and laboratory environments.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Passionate about food safety, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.

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