Quality Assurance Technician

Artisan Kitchens; South Carolina; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Artisan Kitchens is hiring for a Quality Assurance role focused on food safety and QA documentation in a production environment. You will monitor quality and ensure compliance with HACCP, GMPs, and labeling standards, conducting tests and verifications as part of daily production.

The role requires attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication. Candidates should understand regulatory standards and be able to document processes accurately in real time.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Understanding HACCP, GMPs, and food safety fundamentals preferred.
• Familiarity with USDA, FDA, and SQF or other GFSI standards preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Quality & Food Safety Monitoring.
• Perform in-process quality checks (e.g., weights, pH, temperature, net content, appearance, packaging integrity).
• Verify CCPs, operational PRPs, and other critical control steps as defined in the HACCP plan.
• Conduct allergen verifications, metal detector checks, ATP/environmental swabbing, and sanitation verification.
• Ensure product labeling and coding meet specification and regulatory standards.
• Documentation & Records Management: accurately record data on production and QA forms in real time.
• Review and verify batch records, pre-op inspections, and line clearances.
• Support document control processes and assist in updating SOPs and QA programs.
• Microbiological & Analytical Testing: collect samples for testing and ship to labs.
• Assist with shelf-life studies and sensory evaluations as needed.
• Compliance & Continuous Improvement: support audits, GMP inspections, and regulatory visits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

HACCP understanding

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality & Food Safety Monitoring
• Perform in-process quality checks (e.g., weights, pH, temperature, net content, appearance, packaging integrity).
• Verify CCPs, operational PRPs, and other critical control steps as defined in the HACCP plan.
• Conduct allergen verifications, metal detector checks, ATP/environmental swabbing, and sanitation verification.
• Ensure product labeling and coding meet specification and regulatory standards.
• Documentation & Records Management
• Accurately record data on production and QA forms in real time.
• Review and verify batch records, pre-op inspections, and line clearances.
• Support document control processes and assist in updating SOPs and QA programs.
• Microbiological & Analytical Testing
• Collect product and environmental samples for microbiological, chemical, and physical testing.
• Prepare and ship samples to internal or third-party labs according to protocol.
• Assist with shelf-life studies and sensory evaluations as needed.
• Compliance & Continuous Improvement
• Support internal audits, GMP inspections, and regulatory or customer visits.
• Identify and communicate non-conformances or process deviations to QA Management.
• Assist in root cause analysis, corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness.
• Participate in ongoing training and improvement initiatives to enhance food safety culture.
• Follow all plant safety, GMP, and hygiene protocols.
• Maintain clean and organized QA work areas.
• Report any unsafe conditions or behaviors immediately.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Understanding of HACCP, GMPs, and food safety fundamentals is preferred.
• Familiarity with USDA, FDA, and SQF or other GFSI standards is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Lift up to 40 lbs as needed.
• Work in cold or hot production environments (30°F - 90°F).
• Wear PPE as required (smocks, gloves, hairnets, etc.).