QA Lab Specialist I

westrockcoffeeexternaljobs; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

westrockcoffeeexternaljobs is seeking a QA Specialist I to support QA operations in our Concord, NC facility. The role entails maintaining data for liquid extracts, microbiology results, and lab records, while ensuring compliance with SQF and HACCP procedures.

The candidate will assist with audits, train staff, and perform routine laboratory testing. Responsibilities include preparing samples, generating COAs, and coordinating third-party lab verifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a scientific discipline is required.
• 5+ years QA experience in a manufacturing/production setting strongly preferred or equivalent education/experience.
• Acidified Foods Certified or ability to achieve certification.
• HACCP certified.
• PCQI certification or ability to become certified.
• Microbiology lab experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with standard laboratory equipment (pH meter, refractometer, hydrometer, titrator, density cup).
• Proficient computer skills including Outlook, Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Maintain data on database for liquid extracts.
• Maintain microbiology results and coordinate monthly verifications with third party lab.
• Update laboratory procedures and forms for QA Supervisor approval.
• Enforce SQF and HACCP processes and corrective actions.
• Identify non-conforming product and assist disposition decisions.
• Prepare samples and perform tests on finished products or raw materials as required.
• Provide complete COAs to customers in a timely manner.
• Coordinate sample shipments to third party labs for routine/special testing.
• Train new employees on lab equipment and refresher training.
• Assist with internal and external audits (SQF, NCDA, FDA, customer audits).
• Perform QA lab testing and support R&D projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Math skills

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in scientific discipline

Acidified Foods Certified or ability to achieve certification

HACCP certified

PCQI certification or ability to become certified

Microbiology lab experience

Tools

pH meter

Refractometer

Hydrometer

Automated titrator

Density cup

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

We are currently seeking a QA Specialist I to join our organization. The Specialist's responsibilities will include:

• Maintain data on database for liquid extracts
• Maintain microbiology results, send monthly micro verifications to third party lab
• Maintain and update laboratory procedures, forms, etc., for approval by QA Supervisor
• Knowledgeable in the SQF process and enforcement of its procedures
• Knowledgeable in the HACCP process and corrective actions
• Identifies non-conforming product and gathers pertinent information needed to help determine disposition
• Maintain retain samples and prepare samples for test evaluation during production/manufacturing
• Provide Complete COAs to customers in a timely manner
• Ship samples to third party labs for routine and specialized testing
• Maintain microbiology results, send monthly micro verifications to third party lab
• Maintain and update laboratory procedures, forms, etc., for approval by QA Supervisor
• Knowledgeable in the SQF process and enforcement of its procedures
• Knowledgeable in the HACCP process and corrective actions
• Identifies non-conforming product and gathers pertinent information needed to help determine disposition
• Provide Complete COAs to customers in a timely manner
• Ship samples to third party labs for routine and specialized testing
• Participate in testing (physical, microbiological, and organoleptic) for R&D projects
• Conduct QA Lab special projects as assigned by QA Manager
• Assist with Compliance audits -- both internal and external e.g. SQF, NCDA, FDA, customer audits
• Train new employees on proper use of lab equipment and annual refresher training
• Review and file COAs for incoming raw materials (Coffee)
• Perform physical and microbiological testing of finished products and other samples as required
• Update QA Weekly report
• Maintain SDS Sheets for lab chemicals
• Perform ATP swabs analysis to verify sanitation procedures
• Perform duties as assigned in the areas of Food Safety, Preventive Controls and Food Defense
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in scientific discipline
5+ years QA experience in a manufacturing/production setting strongly preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
Acidified Foods Certified or have ability to achieve certification required
HACCP certified
PCQI certification or ability to become certified
Microbiology lab experience strongly preferred
Experience with standard laboratory equipment including pH meter, refractometer, hydrometer, automated titrator, density cup, etc.
Computer skills to include use of Outlook, Word and Excel
Sound communication and writing skills
Sound math skills
Lifting capacity of 50 lbs.
Proven track record of responsibility and reliability
Ability to work varied shifts as needed and weekends
Ability to work with minimal direct supervision

Equal Opportunity Employer / Vets / Disabled

Equal Opportunity Employer / Vets / Disabled