Quality Assurance Technician

Primary Responsibilities:

· Serve as a liaison with USDA and FDA during inspections and audits.

· Monitor compliance with SQF, HACCP, SOPs, SSOPs, AMS School Lunch Program, Organic standards, and prerequisite programs.

· Perform process and facility audits to ensure food safety, food defense, and quality compliance.

· Monitor GMP adherence; train employees and evaluate facility practices to support food safety protocols.

Product & Process Inspection

· Inspect, accept, or reject incoming shipments of raw materials, packaging, and ingredients.

· Collect samples and measure product specifications (e.g., weight, thickness, temperature).

· Operate QA tools such as thermometers, calipers, and weight scales.

· Monitor and document in-process and finished product quality.

Documentation & Reporting

· Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

· Enter inspection data into quality control systems (e.g., PLEX or MS Excel).

· Maintain logs related to temperature checks, sanitation, product evaluations, and corrective actions.

· Assist with root cause analysis and initiate corrective/preventative actions (CAPAs) when necessary.

Communication & Collaboration

· Communicate effectively with operators, leads, supervisors, and managers.

· Work closely with cross-functional departments including Production, Maintenance, and Shipping/Receiving.

· Train employees on GMPs, food safety, and QA protocols as needed.

Qualifications:

· High school diploma or GED required.

· Previous experience in quality assurance or food manufacturing preferred.

· Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, SQF, and FDA/USDA food safety requirements.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word); experience with ERP/QA software (e.g., PLEX) a plus.

· Strong communication skills—verbal and written in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

· Self-starter with strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

· Ability to train and speak effectively in front of teams and departments.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

· Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb for long periods.

· Ability to sit and use hands to type or use adding machines for extended durations.

· Must be able to work in cold environments (approximately 45°F), around loud machinery, slippery floors, and heavy forklift traffic.

· Ability to conduct exterior audits in varying weather conditions.

· Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and work in fast-paced settings.

Long-term and opportunities for Growth:

· Develop technical expertise in food safety, regulatory compliance, and QA systems.

· Advance to roles such as QA Lead or Quality Supervisor.

· Access training and certifications in HACCP, SQF, Internal Auditing, and more.

Job Types: Full-time, Temp-to-hire

Pay: $17.25 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

Work Location: In person