QA Lab Specialist I - Concord, NC

S&D Coffee; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

S&D Coffee in Concord, North Carolina is seeking a QA Specialist I to join their organization. The role involves maintaining data on liquid extracts, conducting microbiological testing, and ensuring compliance with QA procedures.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor of Science degree, HACCP certification, and 5+ years of QA experience in a production setting. This position may require varied shifts and responsibilities including training and maintaining lab standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years QA experience in a manufacturing/production setting strongly preferred.
• HACCP and Acidified Foods certification required.
• Ability to work varied shifts and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain data on database for liquid extracts.
• Train new employees on proper use of lab equipment.
• Perform physical and microbiological testing of finished products.

Skills

QA experience in a manufacturing/production setting

Microbiology lab experience

Knowledge of SQF and HACCP processes

Use of standard laboratory equipment

Computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Sound communication and writing skills

Proven track record of responsibility and reliability

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in scientific discipline

Tools

pH meter

refractometer

automated titrator

Job description

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
• 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