FSQA Technician

Sun-Orchard-LLC; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Sick time

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, vision benefits

company paid life insurance

401(k) matching

Consistent schedules

Growth opportunities

Forward-thinking work culture

Job summary

Sun Orchard is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to help ensure the safety and quality of our citrus-based ingredients and beverages. You will work with operations and FSQA to verify specifications, perform routine lab analyses, and support quality systems.

Key responsibilities include product testing, BAR/oil determinations, microbiological checks, and documentation of results. A high school diploma or GED is required, with preferred coursework in science and experience in food plant

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; coursework in food science or related field preferred.
• Experience in food plant processes preferred, citrus or lab experience a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret procedures and GMP documentation.
• English language required; Spanish is a plus.
• Strong arithmetic and measurement skills; familiarity with HACCP concepts is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Performs inspection and testing activities to ensure control over materials, facilities, and products throughout the production cycle.
• Tests and makes adjustments on product blends according to specifications.
• Determines BAR and oil level in product blends.
• Microbiological testing of certain raw material and finished products.
• Performs visual inspections of equipment post sanitation.
• Maintains quality assurance objectives aligned with policies and goals.
• Follows cGMPs, SOPs, SSOP, HACCP/SQF or other food safety schemes; adheres to GLP and OSHA standards.
• Completes facility walkthrough and inspects all job assignments for quality and completion.
• Ensures documentation is accurate and timely; conducts quality-related projects as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

English proficiency

Bilingual Spanish

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework in food science/chemistry/biology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

ERP software

Job description

Overview

Sun Orchard is the undisputed market leader in not-from-concentrate citrus ingredients and refreshments. We have an immediate opening for a Quality Assurance Technician. The position coordinates with operations and FSQA personnel by checking the daily bottling schedule, furnishing, and maintaining product specifications, performing routine analyses on incoming raw material, blending, and bottling products, maintaining and documenting routine quality systems, performing multiple lab tasks, and advising supervisors of deviations from the process.

What We Offer

• Paid time off, sick time
• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision, company paid life, flexible spending account, 401 matching
• Consistent schedules and professional growth opportunities
• A forward-thinking work culture

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs inspection and testing activities to ensure continuous control over materials, facilities, and products throughout the production cycle.
• Testing and performing adjustments on product blends according to required specifications.
• Determines Brix-Acid Ratio (BAR) and oil level in product blends.
• Microbiological testing of certain raw material and finished products.
• Performs visual inspections of equipment and machinery post sanitation.
• Maintains quality assurance objectives complementary to corporate policies and goals.
• Follows company policies and procedures including cGMPs, SOPs, SSOP, Food Safety/HACCP/SQF or other food safety schemes, GLP, OSHA standards.
• Completes facility walkthrough using the above-mentioned standards.
• Inspects all job assignments for quality and completion.
• Ensures work is documented properly and timely.
• Performs quality-related, special projects as instructed (i.e. shelf life studies, flavor panels, audits, etc.)
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED is required; college-level coursework in food science, chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Some experience in food plant processes preferred, with a preference for citrus or lab experience. May consider school lab experience.
• Language/Communications: Ability to read, analyze, follow, and interpret general procedure manuals. Able to read professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. It is helpful to be able to understand and interpret scientific literature.
• Language/Speech: English is the primary language. Bilingual ability (Spanish) is a plus.
• Reasoning: Ability to define problems, collect data, troubleshoot, establish facts, and draw some conclusions that are reasonable within the person’s ability.
• Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software (Microsoft Word); Spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel); Manufacturing software (ERP); and general email writing and online research skills.
• Science skills: The person should have a good understanding of basic science – biology, chemistry, microbiology, physics, or engineering. Knowledge of basic HACCP principles is a plus.
• Mathematical Skills: The person should be able to work simple mathematical problems and to work with fractions, decimals, and Standard and Metric systems

About Us

Since 1984, Sun Orchard has been the leading developer and manufacturer of all natural citrus based ingredient and beverage products, servicing market leaders across the Food Service, Specialty Industrial and club channels. Our products are not from concentrate and minimally processed to maintain the natural benefits and flavors of the fruit. Our ingredients and beverages are clean label and non GMO, thereby meeting consumer demand for healthier, authentic, and all natural products. Our knowledge and expertise differentiate us from our competition. With over 250 employees dedicated to excellence, quality, and customer service, Sun Orchard has built trust and partnerships with our customers for nearly 40 years. Sun Orchard’s vision is to inspire a world that believes in genuine ingredients and refreshments. We are confident that our people are our greatest assets.

Join our team and contribute your expertise in creating exceptional food products while ensuring safety and quality standards are met!