Job Purpose

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for assuring product quality and food safety by following customer, regulatory, company and SQF requirements. This is accomplished by conducting line audits and by ensuring raw and finished products meet our specifications. This position also verifies adherence to formulas and procedures; monitors and verifies process controls, sanitation, and GMP practices. Must conform to and enforce Good Manufacturing and Safety practices as outlined by company policy.

Essential Functions

• Work and act safely in accordance with all policies. Report any unsafe acts or conditions.

• Comply with all food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) policies and procedures. Report any GMP violations or product safety concerns.

• Addresses Sanitation and GMP deviations on an immediate and ongoing basis and assists in the training and development of production personnel in these key areas.

• Inspect equipment for cleanliness prior to use. Report any issues to ensure that the equipment is re-cleaned prior to use.

• Conducts incoming material approvals.

• Monitors and checks the calibration of measuring equipment, including the operation of metal detectors / X-rays to ensure proper operation. Reports any problems immediately.

• Assures that work in progress (WIP) is stored in a manner that precludes deterioration and does not compromise product quality.

• Prepare and ship samples for testing.

• Isolates and puts on “Hold” any material, product, ingredient, or packaging material which might pose a food safety or quality risk.

• Release items from Hold as appropriate and as approved to do so. Food Safety Hold releases require QA Manager approval.

• Partner with Production to communicate in / out of specification results and resolve out of specification issues.

• Act as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) designee to sign off paperwork, release/hold product, approve incoming materials.

• Properly document, review and file all data, inspection results, product traceability information, etc.

• Enter data and results and submit reports from various computer systems.

• Read, interpret, and monitor product based on information listed on the product specification sheet.

• Conduct routine audits of the process and products both on the line and in the lab to ensure that the product meets FSMA, customer, and company requirements and specifications including, but not limited to:

• Component weight / size checks as required.

• Finished weight.

• Correct ingredients, materials, and specifications used.

• Finished cake appearance.

• Audits every step of the process from Baking to icing, to finishing and storage.

• Compliance to Quality Management System (QMS).

• Baked temperature and water activity critical food safety parameters.

• With Production, complete first, last, and changeover case checks.

• Must be able to tolerate potential allergens: egg, wheat, dairy, soy, tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, coconuts, etc.), peanuts.

• Participate in Validations, including data collection, and Validation meetings as needed.

• Keep work area clean and organized.

• Assist Production to re-inspect and sort out-of-compliance products.

• Ensure products meet the requirements of the SQF Food Safety Code by reporting to a leader, supervisor, or manager any instances or conditions that would negatively affect the products quality, food safety, or regulatory requirements.

• Back up for this position is other QA Tech I, QA Tech II and Quality Supervisor.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications (Education/Experience)

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Basic math skills.

• Ability to operate testing instruments such as thermometer, scale, moisture meter, water activity meter, calipers, etc.

• Effective verbal and written communication.

• Able to read and understand product specifications.

• Computer Skills (word, excel, PowerPoint, email, internet, and any other databases and software in use at the time).

• Background in any type of Quality role would be a plus.

• The top priorities are: 1) work safely, 2) ensure the food safety of our products.

Third Shift (approx. 10pm-6:30am)