Quality Technician
Summary Description:
Reporting to the Quality Supervisor, the Quality Technician is responsible for overseeing day-to-day quality operations for the production lines including the implementation and monitoring of food safety and food quality, sanitation and batching systems to facilitate compliance with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
Essential Job Functions:
- Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas (including but not limited to hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard toe and slip/oil resistant shoes, appropriate safety gloves, and seatbelts while operating forklifts).
- Responsible to adhere to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (e.g., SQF).
- Ensure all products conform to customer specifications as outlined in systems.
- Perform analysis on raw materials, finished batches, treated water, and other required samples.
- Conduct chemical and physical analysis on raw and intermediate processing materials including packaging materials and determine status (acceptable or unacceptable).
- Evaluate finished products against current standards by performing audits to monitor product and packaging integrity.
- Check process control parameters to ensure proper equipment application and operation (e.g., seal integrity, closure torque, seam checks).
- Stop any production that may be questionable in terms of food safety and immediately alert management.
- Maintain accurate, legible records of all tests and retests. Complete all required reports in a timely manner.
- Perform analytical tests required to qualify ingredient batches for production.
- Perform production line checks at specified intervals.
- Ensure accurate test results by maintaining proper operation and calibration of laboratory equipment.
- Maintain laboratory cleanliness at all times.
- Report all out-of-specification results to leadership.
- Complete special projects and other reasonable duties as assigned.
Required Skills:
- Working knowledge of Excel and Word preferred.
- Experience using measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers) preferred.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable to change.
- High level of precision and accuracy in inspection and testing processes.
- Familiarity with SQF, Six Sigma, GMP, and other relevant standards preferred.
- Understanding of food safety requirements.
- Ability to read and understand the metric system.
- Food or beverage laboratory experience preferred.
Competencies:
- Technical: Skilled in maintaining accurate and detailed records of inspections and tests.
- Integrity: Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in quality assurance activities.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing production environments and requirements.
- Communication: Clear and concise communication with production staff and management.
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 1–3 years of experience in quality within a manufacturing environment preferred.
- In facilities co-packaging alcoholic beverages, must be at least 21 years old.
Working Conditions:
- Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, and overnight shifts may be required. Overtime as needed.
- Work Environment: Fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection; temperatures may vary (laboratory is temperature controlled). Structured and supervised environment.
Travel Requirements:
- Visual/Sensory: Requires attention to detail using one or more senses.
- Mental Stress: Includes pressure from deadlines, production quotas, and accuracy standards.
Other Duties:
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities. Duties may change or be assigned at any time.
