QA Lab Technician

Alpha Baking Co.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holiday pay

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Alpha Baking Co. is seeking a quality assurance professional to evaluate product quality across fresh and frozen samples, manage shelf-life studies, and enforce hold procedures.

The role covers documentation, cross‑functional collaboration, and coverage across all shifts in a fast‑paced bakery environment. You will measure product attributes, communicate trends, and assist investigations, customer complaints, and audits while maintaining safety policies and quality records.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable in varying temperatures and production environments.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and some holidays.
• Basic data entry and documentation skills.
• Experience in a food manufacturing QA role preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate fresh products during active production runs and communicate results.
• Evaluate frozen historical product samples from all Alpha Baking plants and report findings.
• Manage shelf-life and mold studies, including sample tracking, recordkeeping, and reporting.
• Enact hold procedures and manage associated documentation.
• Act as a cross‑functional employee with other QA duties as needed, and provide coverage across all shifts during vacations, absences, and staffing shortages.
• Measure and document product quality attributes including weight, dimensions, color, and appearance.
• Serve as a resource regarding product specifications and quality concerns.
• Communicate quality trends and deviations and work with Production to ensure products meet specifications.
• Assist with investigations, corrective actions, and customer complaints as needed.
• Perform inspections and evaluations required for customer‑specific programs and key accounts.
• Follow all company safety, food safety, and security policies.
• Maintain accurate and organized quality records, reports, and documentation.
• Assist other departments as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Data entry

QA experience

Food safety knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Polk Street PLKW 3201
5001 W Polk St
Chicago, IL 60644, USA

Evaluate fresh products during active production runs and communicate results.

Evaluate frozen historical product samples from all Alpha Baking plants and report findings.

Manage shelf-life and mold studies, including sample tracking, recordkeeping, and reporting.

Enact hold procedures and manage associated documentation.

Act as a cross‑functional employee with other QA duties as needed, and provide coverage across all shifts during vacations, absences, and staffing shortages.

Measure and document product quality attributes including weight, dimensions, color, and appearance.

Serve as a resource regarding product specifications and quality concerns.

Communicate quality trends and deviations and work with Production to ensure products meet specifications.

Assist with investigations, corrective actions, and customer complaints as needed.

Perform inspections and evaluations required for customer‑specific programs and key accounts.

Follow all company safety, food safety, and security policies.

Maintain accurate and organized quality records, reports, and documentation.

Assist other departments as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and ability to work independently.

Comfortable working in varying temperatures, including hot and cold environments.

Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and some holidays.

Basic computer skills for data entry and documentation.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Previous QA experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.

Knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP, FDA, SQF, GMPs) is a plus.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive tasks.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.

Comfortable working in a fast‑paced production setting.

Perform tasks requiring standing, lifting, pushing, pulling, walking, and climbing

Perform tasks on a computer.

Health, dental, and vision insurance.

Paid time off and holiday pay.

Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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