Quality Assurance Technician

Nature; Front Royal (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Nature's Touch is seeking a detail-driven QA Technician to support hold and release, SOP writing, and internal audits in a fast-paced frozen food production environment. You will help ensure audit readiness and compliance with HACCP and CFIA-aligned standards.

As a team member reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager, you will perform lab backup, sample materials for testing, and maintain accurate quality records while collaborating with warehouse and production staff.

Qualifications

• - 2+ years in Quality Assurance/Quality Control in food manufacturing (frozen preferred).
• - Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, QA, or related field.
• - Experience with hold and release, SOP writing, and internal audits.
• - Working knowledge of HACCP, GFSI standards (SQF/BRCGS), and CFIA regulations.
• - Hands-on lab experience (microbiological sampling, pH, Brix, physical analysis).

Responsibilities

• Hold and release materials with traceability and proper dispositions.
• Write, review, and update SOPs and forms; maintain audit-ready records.
• Assist in planning and conducting internal audits and follow-up actions.
• Perform GMP inspections in production areas and support environmental monitoring.
• Conduct microbiological sampling and physical testing (pH, Brix).
• Provide lab backup and train QA/QC technicians; support shipment packaging.

Skills

Quality Assurance

SOP Writing

Internal Audits

HACCP

CFIA regulations

Laboratory testing

Excel

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Who Are We:

Nature's Touch is a global leader in the frozen fruits industry, supplying the retail and industrial sectors in North America, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan. We provide a full range of products and support multiple private-label programs in addition to our own brands. We are also one of the largest buyers of fruit globally each year and continue to enjoy strong growth in this emerging category in retail. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a detail-driven and experienced QA Technician ready to take an active role in our food safety programs.

The Role:

Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager and working closely with the Food Safety team, the QA Technician plays a key role in keeping our products safe and our programs audit ready. The incumbent supports product hold and release, writes and maintains SOPs, participates in internal audits, and provides backup coverage for laboratory work. This role suits someone who enjoys working in an agile environment, takes ownership, and wants to grow toward food safety leadership.

Responsibilities:

Hold and Release:

• Support the hold and release process for raw materials and finished goods.
• Act as alternate Quality Coordinator for the release of raw materials.
• Track held product, document dispositions, and ensure every hold is properly closed.

SOPs and Documentation:

• Write, review, and update SOPs, work instructions, and quality forms.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and audit-ready quality records.
• Enter and manage quality data in Excel and quality systems; flag trends and issues early.

Internal Audits and GMP Compliance:

• Assist in planning and conducting internal audits and follow up on corrective actions.
• Perform GMP inspections in the production room to ensure adherence to food safety regulations.
• Support environmental monitoring and swabbing programs.
• Conduct packaging verification to ensure compliance with customer and internal specifications.

Sampling and Quality Testing:

• Sample inbound containers of raw materials and finished goods for microbiological and physicochemical testing.
• Perform quality testing of food products, including physical analysis, pH measurement, and Brix testing.
• Record sampling details and results accurately in the log.
• Communicate with the warehouse regarding sampling inquiries.

Laboratory Backup:

• Provide backup coverage for laboratory testing when the lab team needs support.
• Follow laboratory procedures and record results accurately to keep testing on schedule.

Team Support and Additional Responsibilities:

• Train and support QA/QC technicians to keep standards consistent.
• Serve as backup for the Quality Control Sampler Technician.
• Prepare product samples for customers and assist with shipment packaging and coordination.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Control within the food manufacturing industry, preferably in frozen food production.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related field.
• Experience with hold and release, SOP writing, and/or internal audits.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, GFSI standards (SQF/BRCGS), and CFIA regulations.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience (microbiological sampling, pH, Brix, physical analysis).
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation practices.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel (formulas, tracking, reporting), Word, and Outlook.
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving abilities, with the capacity to prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Clear and concise communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work in a production environment with exposure to various temperature conditions and to handle loads from 20 lb to 40 lb (10-20 kg).