Quality Assurance Technician

Job Description

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE:

Medical - Dental - Vision - Paid Time Off - Disability - Life and AD&D - 401k With Match - Profit Sharing - Health & Flex Spending Accounts - Employee Assistance Program - Wellness Program - Education Assistance - Employee Referral Bonus 

BONUSES: Based on plant quarterly results.

COMMENTS: This job description outlines the essential functions of the role; however, it does not limit or dictate the specific tasks that may be assigned. This is an On-Site position requiring full-time work at the plant. We strongly encourage veterans, minorities, and women to apply.

SUMMARY:

The QA Technician must follow all plant safety, Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety rules and regulations. Documentation and paperwork procedures must be followed as well as verbal and written instructions and guidelines according to the job requirements. The QA Technician will be responsible for performing quality inspection, documenting results, lab testing of incoming, outgoing production. This role does not have direct reports.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Mizkan America safety policies, OSHA regulations, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).

• Perform and document results of lab testing including inspection of incoming glass.
• Perform quality checks on production lines for finished product and verify that the finished goods information, temperatures, and weights and sample of product are with in specification and defect guidelines.  Verify correct date coding on cases and proper packaging. Inform supervisor or manager of any issues found.
• Perform specified inspection procedures on product in production such as brix, pH, acidity, viscosity, taste, odor, color,
• Use various lab equipment including but not limited to the following:  Auto titrator, spectrophotometer, weigh scale, GC, pH, Brix, turbidity meter, hand tools, Viscosity meter, personal computer, and other office equipment.
• Review paperwork during current line checks including label verifications.
• Inspect, test and document results on incoming supplies and ingredients, verify they are within specification. Inform manager of any issues found.
• Swabbing for cleanliness or allergens when needed.
• Be present for any rework off the line or hold rework to be sure inspection is being done properly and help keep track of defects and quantity of defects. 
• Work closely with production employees, bottling supervisors, quality supervisor and manager to resolve problems.
• Report all defects, holds, segregated items and rejected products to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain lab and equipment in a hygienic state.
• Pull product retention samples and perform specified inspection procedures on product.  Complete inventory transfer documentation for pulled samples. 
• Complete and file certificate of analysis documentation.
• Perform regular Gemba audits to evaluate processes, workflows, and adherence to organizational standards.
• Conduct field sampling of air and water to monitor environmental quality and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Operate and maintain sampling equipment, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection.
• Oversee the preparation and inspection of sales samples to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with company quality standards.
• Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer specifications and requirements.
• Coordinate daily shipping operations with UPS, including scheduling and package preparation.
• Generate accurate shipping labels, and customs documentation for domestic and international shipments.
• Generate and print accurate labels for shipments, inventory, and storage using label printing systems and software.
• Participate in cycle counting activities and assist in the preparation of annual or periodic physical inventory counts.
• Fill in for other Quality Assurance Technicians as needed to cover PTO, LOA or other time off required which may include shift change.
• May perform miscellaneous duties as required by the Quality Assurance Manager.

• Will assist Quality Assurance Manager in maintaining company quality standards.

• Basic understanding of LOTO and keep Lab clean and in orderly condition.
• Responsible for food product quality and safety.

EDUCATION:  

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required

• Associate degree in business field preferred

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1 years of Quality background required
• 1 year experience within a food processing, bottling, liquid filling/blending and/or consumer goods manufacturing/packing environment preferred.
• Must be able to work under varying circumstances, such as changes in procedures, operating/customer requirements.

• Basic computer knowledge, required (MS Office)

• Continuous mental and visual attention is required to perform duties, involving repetitive or diversified work requiring constant alertness or activity.
• Basic mathematics skills required (counting accuracy) attention to detail and accuracy required.
• Effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must be respectful and work well with all levels of personnel.
• Must be able to perform on-call duty on any shift and work overtime on short notice basis.  Long-term, temporary assignments to any shift may be required to maintain manufacturing processes.
• Ability to work in high temperatures (hot or cold), working at heights and exposure to strong smells, dust, gases, fumes and chemical or require personal protective equipment.
• Ability to use Personal Protective Equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical aspects of the job as performed in an 8-hour workday.

• Must be able to see, sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, reach, bend, twist, ascend/ descend.
• Ability to pull, push, lift and carry up to 50 lbs., 50+ lbs. with assistance.