Quality Assurance Technician

Nature's Touch; Front Royal, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Nature's Touch, a global leader in frozen fruits, seeks a QA Technician to strengthen our quality and food safety programs across production facilities. You will sample raw materials and finished goods, perform pH and Brix testing, and verify packaging to meet specifications.

Ideal candidates have at least 2 years in QA/QC within food manufacturing and a bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, or QA. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of food regs are required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience (minimum 2 years) in Quality Assurance/Quality Control within the food manufacturing industry, preferably in frozen food production.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards is a plus.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Sample inbound containers of raw materials for microbiological and physicochemical testing.
• Record sampling details accurately in the log and communicate with the warehouse regarding sampling inquiries.
• Perform quality testing of food products (including pH and Brix) and packaging verification.
• Conduct GMP inspections in the production area and assist with environmental swabbing.
• Prepare product samples for customers and assist with shipment packaging and coordination.
• Data entry and reporting of quality inspections.
• Act as alternate Quality Coordinator for the release of raw materials and backups for the QC Sampler Technician.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science / Microbiology / QA or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are:

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 dynamic and experienced QA Technician.

The Role:

Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager, the incumbent enjoys working in an agile environment with a mindset of efficiency and profitability. The qualified candidate continuously improves our food safety and quality operational practices, standards, processes, programs and procedures, as well as Nature's Touch's ways of working, government regulations and customer specifications across all Nature's Touch factories.

Responsibilities:

Raw Material and Finished Goods Sampling:

• Sample inbound containers of raw materials for microbiological and physiochemical testing.
• Record sampling details accurately in the log.
• Communicate with the warehouse regarding sampling inquiries.
• Sample finished goods as required.

Quality Testing and Verification:

• Perform quality testing of food products, including physical analysis, pH measurement, and Brix testing.
• Conduct packaging verification to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Document and record all results as instructed.
• Production and GMP Compliance:
• Perform GMP inspections in the production room to ensure adherence to food safety regulations.
• Assist with environmental swabbing as required.

Sample Preparation and Shipment:

• Prepared product samples for customers and assisted with shipment packaging and coordination.
• Data Entry and Reporting:
• Assist with data entry and required quality inspections.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Act as an alternate Quality Coordinator for the release of raw materials.
• Serve as a backup for the Quality Control Sampler Technician.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring:

• Proven experience (minimum 2 years) 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 equivalent in related field.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards is a plus.
• 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.
• Work is performed in a production environment with exposure to various temperature conditions and the ability to handle loads from 20lb to 40lb(10-20kg).
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel