QA/QC Associate

Baumer Foods, Inc.; Reserve (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Baumer Foods, Inc. is seeking a Quality Control Associate to verify finished pallet tagging, barcode accuracy, and lot traceability on the production floor. You will inspect pallet integrity, ensure cleanliness, document deviations, and support audits and continuous improvement efforts across QA and receiving.

This role requires a high school diploma, 2+ years in food QC, knowledge of GMPs, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with occasional lifting.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of quality control experience in food manufacturing, packaging, or a regulated environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-paced production setting.
• Clear communication and ability to act in real time.
• GMPs, basic food safety principles, traceability/lot coding systems, and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Verify finished goods pallets are properly tagged and the barcode matches the product.
• Confirm pallet data accuracy: SKU, product ID, lot/date code and case counts.
• Inspect pallet integrity, cleanliness, and safe handling; place holds for nonconformances.
• Support audits, regulatory inspections, and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Decision making

Documentation practices

Traceability systems

Barcode verification

GMP knowledge

Food safety basics

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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Responsible for confirming finished product pallets are correctly identified and ready for warehouse release. Primary duties include verifying pallet tag/barcode accuracy, product identifiers, lot traceability, case counts, and pallet condition (intact, clean, pest-free).

A. Finished Pallet Verification / Release Readiness (Primary)

• Verify each finished goods pallet is properly tagged and the barcode matches the product produced.
• Confirm pallet tag data is accurate: product/item number (SKU), product ID, traceability lot/date code, and correct cases per pallet.
• Verify pallet integrity and load stability; ensure pallets are not broken or unsafe.
• Inspect for cleanliness and food safety conditions (no debris/contamination; no evidence of pests or pest activity).
• Place product on hold and elevate nonconformances immediately per procedure.

B. Documentation, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement

• Review QC paperwork for completeness, accuracy, and legibility; ensure corrections follow Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Ensure holds, deviations, rework, and nonconformance documentation are completed per procedure.
• Support investigations for coding/tagging errors and GMP concerns; assist with corrective actions.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections as directed.

C. Cross-Training & Additional Responsibilities

• Cross-train with the QC Supervisor, QC Technicians and QC Receiving Inspector to provide coverage and support business continuity.
• Perform other related quality control and food safety tasks as assigned by department managers.

Authority

• Authority to stop or hold product and escalation quality or food safety concerns when identification, coding, sanitation, pest, or pallet-condition issues are observed outside of written product specification expectations and Job expectations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in food science, biology, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years of quality control experience in food manufacturing, packaging, or a regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of GMPs, basic food safety principles, traceability/lot coding systems, scanning barcodes and tag verification, and documentation practices.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-paced production environment.
• Clear communication and correct in real time.
• Organized, dependable, and able to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Sound decision-making and holds self-accountable in performing job duties to meet the expectations of the department for the good of all in the company.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Mostly standing/walking on the production floor; repetitive motion and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 40-50 lbs occasionally (samples or cases) as required.
• Ability to work in hot/humid or temperature-variable environment as the production floor is within a building without air conditioning or heating.
• Ability to wear required PPE (hair/beard nets, gloves, hearing protection, safety shoes, etc.).
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and shift schedules as needed.
• Ability to defend decisions to hold product that does not meet expectations.

Disclaimer

Baumer Foods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned as business needs require.