Quality Tech (4544)

• Perform quality inspections on pretzel products throughout the manufacturing process to ensure compliance with company, customer, and food safety standards.
• Conduct production floor inspections every two (2) hours to verify adherence to GMPs, sanitation standards, operational procedures, and quality requirements.
• Inspect pretzels for deformities, ensuring proper shape, structure, and overall product consistency.
• Verify product coloration meets established quality standards and approved specifications.
• Ensure pretzels are not interconnected and maintain individual product integrity.
• Check for visual defects, including cracks, burns, contamination, improper seasoning application, or other irregularities.
• Confirm there are no double cuts, improper slicing, or processing defects.
• Measure pretzels for appropriate length, weight, and dimensional uniformity according to product specifications.
• Perform sensory evaluations to assess texture, crunch, flavor, aroma, and overall product quality.
• Conduct quality testing and analysis, including but not limited to:
• pH testing
• Salt concentration testing
• Water activity (Aw) testing
• Moisture testing
• Weight verification
• Product temperature monitoring
• Packaging seal verification
• Metal detector validation and testing
• Collect and maintain product retention samples as required by quality procedures.
• Monitor ingredient usage and verify compliance with approved formulations and product specifications.
• Ensure allergen controls, label accuracy, and packaging compliance are maintained throughout production.
• Document inspection findings, quality checks, test results, and corrective actions accurately and in a timely manner.
• Identify, report, and escalate quality, food safety, and process deviations to Production and Quality leadership.
• Assist with investigations related to non-conforming products, customer complaints, and corrective action programs.
• Support internal audits, sanitation verification activities, and food safety initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, and Sanitation teams to resolve quality issues and improve manufacturing processes.
• Follow all food safety, GMP, HACCP, SQF, and quality assurance protocols.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One (1) or more years of experience in food manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety principles, GMPs, HACCP, allergen control programs, and quality systems.
• Experience conducting product inspections, sampling, and quality testing preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify visual, structural, and process-related defects.
• Ability to accurately complete documentation and maintain quality records.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions regarding product quality and food safety concerns.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining accuracy and consistency.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One (1) or more years of experience in food manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety principles, GMPs, HACCP, allergen control programs, and quality systems.
• Experience conducting product inspections, sampling, and quality testing preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify visual, structural, and process-related defects.
• Ability to accurately complete documentation and maintain quality records.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions regarding product quality and food safety concerns.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining accuracy and consistency.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout a 10-12 hour shift.
• Ability to perform plant-wide inspections every two (2) hours.
• Frequent walking between production lines, quality stations, and warehouse areas.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, climb stairs, and perform repetitive motions.
• Manual dexterity required for sampling, testing, documentation, and product inspection activities.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including production, warehouse, and laboratory settings.
• Must be able to wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Preferred Skills

• Understanding of pretzel, bakery, snack food, or food manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of SQF, FDA regulations, food safety audits, and quality management systems.
• Experience using testing equipment for pH, water activity, moisture analysis, and other food quality measurements.
• Root cause analysis and corrective action experience.
• Strong commitment to food safety, product quality, and continuous improvement.
• Bilingual is a plus, Spanish preferred.