Position: Manufacturing Quality Control Lead Technician
Location: Everett, WA
Remote Status: On-Site
Job Id: 209
# of Openings: 0
What does it take to create 1.7 BILLION cups of coffee a year?
We are excited to announce that we are hiring a collaborative Quality Control Lead Technician!
For more than 45 years, Cascade Coffee has been the premier specialty coffee contract manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest. Specializing in roasting, grinding, flavoring, and packaging coffee, catering to the world’s finest coffee brands worldwide. Cascade works behind the scenes to provide innovation, world-class coffee roasting, and a wide variety of packaging options to highlight their loyal customer’s brands.
Founded in 1977, the company operates from a 150,000 square foot manufacturing and roasting facility, more than 2 million pounds of green coffee storage facility, 50 million pounds annually of coffee roasting capacity as well as multiple roasting lines, flavor mixing systems and 14 automated packaging lines.
Why Cascade?
We offer a unique blend of benefits for you and your family!
WAGE RANGE (NON-EXEMPT): $24.00 - $28.00 DOE
REPORTS TO: Quality Control Supervisor
- Healthcare benefits: Multiple coverage levels of medical, dental, and vision plans
- 401k Roth or Pre-Tax options: $1 for $1 match and once eligible to enroll, ZERO vesting period
- Long Term Disability and life insurance: Company provides coverage for all
- Voluntary Life, Disability, Accident & Critical Illness: Various insurance programs are offered to support your needs
- Employee Assistance Program: To support you and your family’s overall wellbeing
- Sick and Vacation plans: Cascade understands the vital importance of a quality work/life balance
- Pet insurance: Multiple coverage levels for your furry friends
- Cascade Cares: Exciting engagement programs each month
- Leadership Training: We invest in and dedicate time to training leaders in the industry
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Quality Control (QC) Lead Technician is an integral part of the quality control team and will function as an internal and external auditor for the facility based on company requirements. The lead technician interfaces directly with the QC Supervisor on all quality control and compliance issues and assesses compliance with quality standards and initiatives. This requires working closely with the production department.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Administer Cascade policies and procedures and carry out personnel objectives and programs within the Quality Assurance department.
- Coordinate with Quality and Production Supervisors on various quality issues.
- Conduct daily plant inspections for any GMP/Product Protection violations.
- Assist production in filling out all necessary QC paperwork.
- Perform sensory evaluation on raw materials and finished products.
- Troubleshoot and resolve quality issues utilizing quality tools to document corrective actions effectively.
- Regular reporting of measures that communicate process outputs relative to Quality metrics and customer requirements/specifications.
- Develop and document standards in compliance with good manufacturing practices and regulatory mandates.
- Audit production processes and the Food Safety and Quality Management system.
- Responsible for collecting all required samples for customers and external laboratory testing.
- Coordinate testing of in-process materials according to a regular/randomized schedule.
- Monitor defined checks/tests to ensure product conformance before releasing the product.
- Monitor coffee operations quality checks, including Roasting, Grinding, and Flavoring procedures.
- Perform laboratory testing according to customer specifications.
- Uphold and provide safe, high-quality, consistent products, and superior services.
- Collect foreign material collections and record findings in appropriate software.
- Support Cascade Coffee’s Food Safety Culture by adhering to all company policies and procedures.
- Attend all shift huddles (pre- and post-shift).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices and quality-related policies.
- Train, supervise and delegate tasks to QC Technician employees.
- Conduct new employee safety and facility tours.
- Maintain a hands-on approach to management and be present and available to employees.
- Oversee the activities of Technicians and all other non-management personnel.
- Motivate employees and direct their day-to-day activities.
- Counsel employees on job performance issues as necessary.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), SQF Level 2 standards, Food Safety and Quality programs.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge and experience in using Microsoft products.
- Ability to work with lab equipment.
- Self-motivation and ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Ability to work under pressure and make effective decisions.
- HACCP certified.
- Associate’s degree or equivalent preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of practical industry experience is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- This position is inside a warehouse roasting facility, where workers are exposed to loud equipment noise, coffee dust, and strong odors.
- Personal protection equipment and other Good Manufacturing Practices are mandatory.
WORK HABITS:
- Regular attendance and promptness are required for this position.
- Work may be required outside the standard workweek.
- This job requires a high degree of teamwork skills.
- This job requires the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
Cascade coffee is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We celebrate our differences because we believe diversity drives innovation and leads to sustainable success.