Quality Assurance Technician

Jobtailor; Wilmington (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking an experienced QA professional for its Illinois food production operations. The role requires 5-7 years in food manufacturing with a strong focus on safety documentation and GFSI standards.

You will conduct sampling, QA testing, and record-keeping while coordinating with production and QA teams. Responsibilities include lab QA checks, Certificate of Analysis generation, and maintaining calibration schedules.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years’ experience in food manufacturing, processing & distribution.
• Understanding in maintaining food safety documents and knowledge of GFSI standards.
• High attention to detail; strong computer and Excel knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Perform individual or group projects assigned by the QA Manager.
• Collect samples of ingredients, perform quality checks during production and assist with production records.
• Inspect incoming and out-going trucks according to shipping and receiving program.
• Perform quality checks on incoming raw materials, packaging components, finished products and labels on a timely basis.
• Generate Certificate of Analysis.
• Document and interpret lab results, compare to specifications to ensure product quality.
• Discuss and report food safety concerns to related personnel for action.
• Maintain lab equipment calibration and inventory of supplies.
• Administer samples sent to outside laboratories and potential customers.
• Ensure all customer required testing is performed.
• Follow environmental monitoring testing program schedule.
• Report process errors, product failures, or deviations.
• Work with operations on production issues and quality concerns.
• Stop production if needed and communicate to management and QA Manager.
• Maintain reports, non-compliance investigations and monthly management meeting communications.
• Conduct employee training and maintain records.
• Implement, manage, and maintain food safety programs (BRC, HACCP, SOP, Allergen).

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical testing

Clear communication

Technical writing

Excel proficiency

Physical lifting

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or equivalent

PCQI and HACCP certification preferred

Tools

Excel

HPLC

pH meter

Refractometer

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Perform individual or group projects assigned by the QA Manager.
• Collect samples of ingredients, perform quality checks during production and assist with production records.
• Inspect incoming and out-going trucks according to shipping and receiving program.
• Perform quality checks on incoming raw materials, packaging components, finished products and labels on a timely basis.
• Generate Certificate of Analysis.
• Document and interpret lab results, compare to internal specification or vendor/customer specification to ensure product quality is within acceptance.
• Discuss and report food safety concerns to related personnel for further action.
• Maintain lab equipment calibration schedule and inventory of lab supplies.
• Administer samples sent to outside laboratories and potential customers.
• Ensure all customer required testing is performed.
• Follow schedule for environmental monitoring testing program.
• Report any process errors, product failures, or deviations.
• Follow through with operations regarding production issues and quality concerns.
• Stop production if needed and communicate information to all management and QA Manager for follow-up actions.
• Maintain all relevant reports, non-compliance report investigations and conduct monthly Management meetings to communicate follow-up procedures.
• Conduct employee training and maintain records.
• Implement, manage, and maintain food safety related programs (BRC, HACCP, SOP, Allergen etc.).

Requirements

• 5-7 years’ experience in food manufacturing, processing & distribution.
• Understanding in maintaining food safety related documents and knowledge in GFSI standards.
• High attention to detail, strong computer and excel knowledge.
• Comfortable in a fast paced, changing environments.
• Strong verbal communication skills, presentation skills and technical writing skills.
• Capable of occasionally lifting 25–50 lbs.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Willing to travel up to 5% of the time.
• Knowledge in performing analytical tests such as pH, brix, HPLC and refractometer tests.
• Bachelor's degree, in Food Science or similar; or equivalent combination of education & experience.
• Previous quality experience.
• PCQI and HACCP certification preferred.