Quality Assurance Technician

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician I (QA Tech I) to test and inspect products and processes across the manufacturing workflow, ensuring adherence to quality and food safety standards. The role centers on evaluating raw materials, WIP, and finished goods to meet stringent quality criteria.

Responsibilities include performing analyses, maintaining lab calibration, recording results, and communicating deviations for corrective actions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED required and 3+ years of related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, or closely related field of study) and 1+ years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analytical testing of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished product to assure company standards are met.
• Tests may include, but not be limited to color, particle size, fat content, moisture content, viscosity, pH, count per pound, free fatty acid and peroxide value, and flavor.
• Maintain proper calibration and verification of laboratory equipment and document results in the Internal Control Plan.
• Take appropriate action to correct equipment deviations.
• Communicate deviations to the appropriate department for corrective action.

Skills

Analytical testing

Laboratory methods

Documentation

Education

High school diploma/GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Lab equipment calibration

Job description

WHO WE ARE

At Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee’s contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli’s growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician I (QA Tech I) is responsible for testing and inspecting products and processes at various points in the manufacturing process to ensure adherence to company quality & food safety standards. The role is responsible for establishing and executing the disposition of products that do not meet company quality standards and is responsible for performing and documenting quality and food safety results as required to ensure all products meet Ghirardelli’s quality standards and food safety requirements.

• Conduct analytical testing of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished product to assure company standards are met.
• Tests may include, but not be limited to color, particle size, fat content, moisture content, viscosity, pH, count per pound, free fatty acid and peroxide value, and flavor.
• Conduct case cutting product analysis to evaluate product quality and prevent large‑scale issues.
• Utilize Good Laboratory Practices when conducting testing, handling out‑of‑specification results, labeling solutions, and recording data.
• Maintain proper calibration and verification of laboratory equipment and document results in the Internal Control Plan.
• Take appropriate action to correct equipment deviations.
• Conduct co‑manufacturing product analysis on retain samples and maintain records.
• Utilize an electronic record‑keeping system to ensure testing results are in compliance.
• Monitor electronic weight and attribute system to ensure compliance to company weight and quality standards.
• Communicate deviations to the appropriate department for corrective action.
• Hold non‑conforming raw materials, packaging materials, WIP and finished product.
• Investigate and troubleshoot non‑conformities and recommend appropriate disposition for product not meeting company quality standards.
• Conduct Food Safety and Quality audits of production lines and records to ensure product being produced meets established standards.
• Conduct environmental sampling at the required frequency, adhering to the Environmental Monitoring Program.
• Verify and document proper allergen cleanup after production changeovers.
• Create documents as needed and ensure that documents being utilized accurately reflect current processes and methodology.
• Assist in training new technicians.
• Maintain the laboratory and work areas according to 5s standards.
• Prepare Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for customers upon requests.
• Recommend modifications of quality and production standards to achieve optimum quality.
• Special projects and other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Minimum Education

High school diploma/GED required and 3+ years of related experience.

Bachelor’s degree preferred (Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, or closely related field of study) and 1+ years of related experience.

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

Frequent to constant repetitive fine manipulation (keyboarding, ten key, writing).

Occasional sitting.

Constant walking.

Constant standing.

Rare to Occasional twisting of the neck and waist.

Rare to Occasional reaching at or below the shoulder level.

Rare to Occasional usage of verbal communication equipment (telephone, radio, cellular).

Rare to Occasional squatting/bending/stooping/stretching.

Work in laboratory with equipment and machinery.

High noise environment.

A willingness to work weekend hours, overtime and any of the all shifts required.

Hours & Pay

Hours: 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift

Hourly Pay: $26.50

Lindt & Sprüngli Group

Looking to grow your career in a dynamic, international setting? Join the Lindt & Sprüngli Group! Together, we thrive to achieve our bold ambitions, powered by our purpose and unique culture of community and mutual support – rooted in a proud tradition, yet always evolving to stay ahead and set new standards.

Across our diverse local teams, we think globally and act locally – empowering people to grow, take ownership and shape a sustainable future together.

We are a responsible “employer of choice” who provides an inspiring people experience.

Together, we build trust, drive innovation, and grow – as individuals and as a business.

Lindt & Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 180 years. The long‑established Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate category. Lindt & Sprüngli produces quality chocolates today at its 12 factories in Europe and the USA.

Its products are sold by 41 subsidiaries and branch offices in around 620 of its own stores as well as via a network of around 100 distributors around the globe.

With around 15,500 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported sales of CHF 5.92 billion in 2025.

Our commitment to contributing to a sustainable tomorrow is a key element driving the company’s actions and ambitions.

Since 2008, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program has been our Responsible Sourcing Standard for cocoa.