Quality Assurance Technician

Apple Valley Foods US, LLC; Chaska, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Valley Foods US, LLC is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to perform quality control tests and inspections throughout the manufacturing process. The schedule is 4:00 pm to 4:00 am, Monday through Saturday, with responsibilities including auditing, data collection, and process improvements to ensure product safety and quality.

The role requires a HS diploma with preferred higher education in food science or laboratory disciplines, knowledge of statistics, GMPs/HACCP, and strong

Qualifications

• HS diploma required; Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Technology or related field highly desired.
• Two-year degree in laboratory science, food technology, or related field experience in food QA is preferred;
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistics, SPC fundamentals and laboratory skills;
• Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, Food Safety, SQF requirements;
• HAACP certification required or ability to obtain it;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint) and data reporting;
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills;
• Ability to function well in a team environment;
• Bakery or other food industry training is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Verify food quality and safety through auditing and reporting; evaluate product for flavor, aroma, appearance, and specification compliance.
• Assist in expediting QA tasks and supporting specific projects.
• Provide training to facilitate food quality, safety, and compliance to specifications.
• Train employees on disassembly, cleaning, and sanitizing of processing equipment.
• Inspect ingredients, packaging materials, work-in-process, and finished product for spec compliance.
• Identify and report poor quality or potentially unsafe food materials.
• Conduct sanitation audits, GMP inspections, and IDEX testing of equipment.
• Collect, analyze, and report data; maintain QA and HACCP records.
• Clearly document and communicate all findings.
• Continuously strive to improve processes to reduce waste.
• Audit processes to ensure food quality and safety; verify compliance with specs and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and follow all food safety and quality procedures.
• Perform other required tasks as assigned.

Skills

Statistics

SPC fundamentals

GMPs/HACCP

Lab skills

Food safety standards

Microsoft Excel

Education

B.S. in Food Science/Technology or related

2-year degree in laboratory science/food tech

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

The Quality Assurance Technician performs a variety of quality control tests/inspections at various stages of the process to ensure products are manufactured to conform with all customer and company food safety and quality specificationsSchedule is 4:00 pm -4:00 am Monday to Saturday.

Job Responsibilities

• Verify food quality and safety through auditing and reporting. Product is evaluated for flavor, aroma, appearance, and compliance with specifications;
• Assist in expediting quality assurance tasks by providing help in support of specific projects;
• Provide training, as necessary, to facilitate food quality and safety, and compliance to specifications;
• Provide training to employees on the proper disassembling, cleaning, and sanitizing of all food processing equipment;
• Inspect ingredients, packaging materials, work-in-process, and finished product for compliance with specifications;
• Identify, isolate, and report poor quality or potentially unsafe food materials;
• Conduct periodic sanitation audits, GMP inspections, and IDEX testing of cleaned and sanitized equipment;
• Collect, analyze, and report data;
• Maintain quality assurance and HACCP data, as directed;
• Clearly document and communicate all findings;
• Continuously strive to improve processes to eliminate waste;
• Audit processes and procedures to ensure food quality and food safety. Verify compliance to specifications, customer requirements and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and follow all food safety and quality procedures;
• Performs other required tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Technology or related field highly desired;
• Preferred 2-year degree in laboratory science, food technology or related field experience in food quality assurance role(s);
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistics, SPC fundamentals and laboratory skills;
• Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, Food Safety, SQF requirement;
• HAACP certification required or the ability to successfully complete;
• Solid computer proficiency in Microsoft applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint;
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills;
• Ability to function and contribute to a team environment;
• Bakery or other food industry training is a plus.