Quality Assurance Technician - 1st shift

Fresh Express, Inc.; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresh Express, Inc. in Harrisburg, PA is seeking a QA Technician to join the Production Team. This fast-paced role emphasizes mathematical and technical tasks, sampling, testing, and data entry to ensure product quality.

You will perform microbiological analyses, inspect raw materials, monitor process parameters, and help enforce GMP. The job requires lifting, standing, and the ability to work overtime in a cold, wet environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic science and technical aptitude.
• Proficient in Excel, Outlook and Word.
• Ability to read and interpret English safety rules and product specs.
• Ability to write routine reports and emails in English.
• Able to work in cold (32–36°F), noisy and wet environments.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Able to stand for long periods and operate measuring instruments.

Responsibilities

• Sample and test product at production stages.
• Identify and document out-of-spec samples.
• Adjust processes to meet specs and recheck quality.
• Enforce GMP rules.
• Perform microbiological analyses (petrifilm) per specs.
• Test environmental samples per specs.
• Follow up on out-of-spec results.
• Enter data into computer systems.
• Ensure raw material testing and traceability.
• Communicate inspection results to management and QA teams.
• Conduct truck inspections for food safety.
• Inspect inbound shipments for quality.
• Support QA lab tasks as needed.
• Wear PPE as required in plant, including gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals.

Skills

Basic science aptitude

Technical aptitude

Reading & interpreting documents

Writing routine reports

Working in cold environments

Overtime flexibility

Operating measuring instruments

Basic math

Standing for long periods

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Word

Weight scale

Thermometer

Metal detector

Job description

Summary:

This is a fast-paced position heavily involved with the mathematical and technical areas. The QA Technician serves as an important supporting member of the Production Team at Fresh Express Harrisburg, PA

Job Function Statements Essential Functions:

• Responsible for routine sampling and testing of Fresh Express product at various stages of production.
• Responsible for recognizing, identifying, communicating and documenting out-of-spec samples.
• Responsible for ensuring that adjustments are made to ensure compliance to specifications, and for rechecking following adjustments to ensure that product is of the highest quality.
• Responsible for following and helping to enforce GMP rules.
• Performs microbiological analysis of product (using petrifilm ), according to company and customer specs.
• Performs microbiological analysis of environmental samples, according to company and customer specs.
• Conducts follow-ups on out of spec test results.
• Performs computer data entry.
• Responsible for routine sampling and testing of raw material products, to recognize, identify, and document out-of-spec products.
• Responsible for effectively communicating inspection information to Production management and Quality team members, as well as business management and Corporate Quality when needed.
• Responsible for conducting and documenting truck inspections for food safety aspects.
• Responsible for ensuring product traceability through product code verification on raw materials.
• Inspects all inbound shipments of raw materials for compliance to Fresh Express quality standards.
• Supports the QA department by performing any other additional tasks in QA laboratory.
• Responsible for performing duties listed below:

• raw material quality and ATU evaluation
• wash water chemistry testing
• pH testing
• water & air temperature monitoring
• metal detector verification
• percent oxygen testing
• cut quality and blend ratio evaluation
• total volume testing
• package weight monitoring
• seal integrity (leakers testing)
• finished package temperature monitoring
• code date verification
• equipment calibrations
• CQI and shelf-life sample collection
• documentation of all results and actions
• Perform other duties as required or assigne d
• When in the plant the employee is required to wear, hardhat, hearing protection and slip resistant and safety toed shoes.
• Chemical resistant gloves and eye protection are required when working with chemicals.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

• The ideal candidate should:
• Posses basic science and technical aptitude.
• Posses basic computer skills (Excel, Outlook and Word).
• Posses the ability to read and interpret documents (in English) such as safety rules, product specifications, etc.
• Posses the ability to write routine reports and e‑mail correspondence (in English).
• Be capable of working in a cold ( 32 to 3 6 degrees F), noisy and wet environment for an entire shift.
• Be capable of working overtime, including weekends and holidays as required.
• Be capable of working hours and shifts dictated by production schedule.
• Be capable of meeting all attendance requirements.
• Be capable of meeting all required testing frequencies (detailed, fast-paced work).
• Be capable of standing, on cement, for long periods of time.
• Be capable of operating measuring instruments, such as the weight scale and thermometer.
• Be capable of performing basic math calculations and use a calculator.

Other Desired Qualifications/Skills:

Basic computer knowledge in Word and Excel

Experience:

N/A

Education/Training:

High school diploma (or equivalent)