FSQ Technician I

SunOpta Inc.; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to crafting sustainable food solutions! As a Quality Assurance Technician, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of products through rigorous laboratory testing and quality control measures. This dynamic position offers the chance to work in a collaborative environment where your contributions will help shape the future of food. With a focus on safety, quality, and teamwork, you will engage in essential functions that support the company's commitment to excellence. If you are passionate about quality assurance and eager to make a difference in the food industry, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required with 2+ years in food production preferred.
• Experience in laboratory testing and quality assurance processes is essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing to ensure product quality and safety.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the workstation and equipment.
• Communicate lab data effectively with supervisors and team members.

Skills

Laboratory Testing

Quality Assurance

Food Safety Standards

Microbiology Testing

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

2+ Years in Food Science/Food Technology

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Job description

Allentown Facility, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description

SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths, and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers, and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN, Dream, and West Life. For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Quality Assurance Technician I - Team D
Pay Rate: $26.75 - Shift Differential $2.00
Schedule: 5:30 PM – 6:00 AM
12-hour shifts 2-2-3 rotating weekends.
Reports To: Melissa Raposa

Job Summary:

The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician is responsible for performing necessary laboratory testing to ensure ingredients, product, and packaging conform to specifications. The QA Technician follows written and verbal instructions to determine that quality and efficiency standards are being met. In addition, the QA Technician is responsible for the efficiency, safety, and quality of laboratory work and for effective communication relative to shift and plant performance.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Assure package integrity and product quality by performing laboratory testing and aseptic package evaluation procedures.
• Perform laboratory testing such as pH, solids/moisture, sodium, etc.
• Assist with investigations related to product spoilage.
• Collect and communicate lab data with Quality Supervisor and Operations Shift Leaders.
• Perform incubation activities according to standard operating procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Responsible for laboratory equipment calibrations at specified intervals.
• Accurately prepare and maintain all area paperwork.
• Perform microbiology testing including basic plating in a clean room environment, stocking lab, shipping samples, retrieving results, and communicating to management as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

• Follow all facility human and food safety policies including proper use of PPE.
• Report all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor.

Quality

• Understand SQF code, FSMA, HACCP, and Food Defense.
• Awareness of Food Safety and Quality requirements that pertain to the plant and specific role.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to conduct required testing for products prior to processing, after processing, and prior to product release.
• Cooperate with other shifts and management team for facility housekeeping endeavors.

Communication

• Ensure teamwork with management and operators occurs during each scheduled shift.

Teamwork and Training

• Promote and contribute to the development of teamwork among production team members.

Personal Development

• Continuous learning of the Aseptic batching, sterilization, and filling processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Confident with independent work.
• Able to evaluate a situation and make a good decision or escalate appropriately.
• Able to stand for long periods of time.
• Able to do repetitive work.
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and at times more.

Education/ Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

2+ years related experience in Food Science/Food Technology or a food or beverage production facility preferred.

Travel Requirements:

Potential for travel to various SunOpta locations and for meetings or other job-related functions.