Quality Assurance Technician

Harlan Bakeries LLC; Indianapolis, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harlan Bakeries LLC in Indianapolis is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to perform quality control tests and inspections across production stages, ensuring products meet customer and company food safety specifications.

You will enter results in Excel, publish reports, collect samples, conduct tests with pH meters and moisture analyzers, and support HACCP and GMP programs. The role emphasizes attention to detail and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Preferred 2-year degree in laboratory science, food technology or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistics, SPC fundamentals and laboratory skills.
• Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, Food Safety, and SQF requirements.
• Solid proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to function and contribute in a team environment.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Enter results of product evaluations and production checks into the computer database; analyze data with charts and statistics.
• Publish reports based on production data and non-conformances.
• Collect ingredient samples for analysis and file raw material COA’s.
• Conduct laboratory tests using weigh scales, pH meters, and moisture analyzers.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Perform line process audits for SOP conformance.
• Conduct process audits and line checks against customer specifications.
• Examine and document line inspections for SOP compliance.
• Sample products, prepare samples, and conduct bake tests; report evaluations.
• Verify production sheets are complete and accurate; train staff as needed.
• Assist in training production employees on tests and sampling.
• Place non-conforming product on QA Hold and oversee disposition.
• Conduct Hazard Analysis Critical Control verifications.
• Participate in plant self-inspections auditing GMPs.
• Perform daily flour tailings checks; weekly scale and thermometer calibration checks.
• Contribute to Continuous Improvement Teams and share daily shift recaps.

Skills

Statistics

SPC basics

Laboratory skills

GMP/HACCP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Education

Associate degree in laboratory science / food technology

Tools

Excel

pH meters

Moisture analyzer

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 specifications.

Job Responsibilities

• Enter results of product evaluations and production checks into the computer database, using Microsoft Excel; analyze the data using charts, graphs and statistics, report trends to the QA Supervisor;
• Publish reports based on the production data and non-compliance to specifications or standards;
• Collect ingredient samples for analysis, conduct tests, initial and file raw material COA’s and report any results out of specification;
• Conduct laboratory tests using equipment (but not limited to) weigh scales, measurement tools, pH meters, moisture analyzer, yeast gassing test, product scoring evaluations;
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment;
• Perform line process audits for conformance to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP);
• Conduct process audits and line checks to ensure the manufacturing process is conforming to customer specifications;
• Examine and document line inspections for compliance to standard operating procedures;
• Sample product, learn how to prepare samples and conduct bake tests of products, and report a finished product evaluation;
• Verify production sheets are complete and accurate; review, coach, train staff as needed.
• Assist in training production employees on properly conducting tests or product sampling;
• Place non-conforming product on QA Hold; Oversee Hold product to ensure proper disposition is adhered to:
• Conduct Hazard Analysis Critical Control line verifications;
• Participate in plant self-inspections auditing Good Manufacturing Practices;
• Perform daily flour tailings check;
• Perform weekly scale and thermometer calibration checks;
• Continuously strives to improve processes to eliminate waste;
• Leads and contributes to the efforts of Continuous Improvement Teams;
• Share with relevant staff daily shift recaps, communicate opportunities for improvement or observations
• Perform other required tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma required;
• 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;
• Solid computer proficiency in Microsoft applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint;
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills;
• Ability to function and contribute in a team environment;
• Bakery or other food industry training is a plus;
• Regular and predictable attendance.