Quality Control Technician

Saputo Inc.; Gustine (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. is seeking a Quality Control Technician to monitor production areas, collect samples, and ensure products meet established specifications. The role involves analytical testing, documentation, and CAPA recommendations to prevent quality deviations.

The technician will work across shifts in a 24/7 facility, maintaining QC records, calibrating lab equipment, and supporting audits and recalls as needed. Strong attention to detail and English communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree preferred in Food or Dairy Science.
• Experience with food quality specifications and testing.
• Positive release documentation or strict protocol adherence.
• Familiarity with SQF, QA/QC, HACCP, GMP and related acronyms.

Responsibilities

• Collect and test samples from raw ingredients, packaging, and finished dairy products.
• Perform microbiological testing according to guidelines.
• Document out-of-spec results and initiate CAPA.
• Maintain QC records and enter data accurately.
• Calibrate and maintain lab equipment and prepare stock solutions.

Skills

Math skills

English skills

SAP

MS Office

Education

Associate’s Degree in Food or Dairy Science

Tools

SAP

Job description

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

Position Summary

The Quality Control Technician’s responsibilities as the subject matter expert of the production shift and actively monitors production areas to inspect product quality, sample and analyze against established specification and controls. Documents and reports any or potential quality deviation, and recommend corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Collects samples and perform physical analytical sampling and testing of raw ingredients, packaging materials and finished goods dairy food products in accordance with established guidelines. Ability to apply and interpret results.
• Perform microbiological/bacteriological sampling and testing of dairy food products in accordance with established guidelines. Ability to apply and interpret results.
• Identify and effectively communicate any out-of-specification analytical test results. Follow established notification protocol.
• Routinely collect product samples from production lines as outlined by testing requirements.
• Exceptional organizational skills in order to maintain all QC records and filing.
• Accurately and neatly complete analytical testing documents and enter data into system.
• Ability to prepare various stock solutions used in the laboratory.
• Calibrate and maintain all lab testing equipment.
• Perform environmental control swabbing after clean-up and CIP/SIP. Report any deviations.
• Knowledge of consumer complaint investigation process.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Support mock and product recall program guidelines.
• Prepare and process production records to isolate any out of specification product including any product deviations from standard, on-hold, regulatory holds, etc.
• Prepare and distribute customer certificates of analysis.
• Must be proficient with all quality control functions throughout the facility.
• Must be able to complete, pass and maintain specific State regulatory licensing/certificate requirements (CDFA, DFA Appendix N, Good Laboratory Practices).
• Perform good laboratory housekeeping within established housekeeping guidelines.
• Comply with all Quality Assurance Procedures (QAP’s).
• Comply with federal, state and local dairy food regulations.
• Adhere to the Saputo Code of Ethics and actively apply the Saputo Company Values.
• Work together professionally with co-workers and other department personnel.
• Other duties as required by management.

Job Requirements

• Associate’s Degree with a concentration in Food or Dairy Science, preferred.
• Previous experience with food quality specifications, physical and analytical testing, process control monitoring and positive release documentation or similar experience with strict adherence to protocol is preferred.
• Advanced quality/food safety training and/or certifications is a plus, but not required.
• An working understanding of food manufacturing acronyms (SQF, QA/QC, CQP, QAP, HACCP, SOP,5S, GMP, etc.)
• Ability to pass and successfully maintain regulatory certification, as required.
• Strong math skills.
• Strong computer and business skills (SAP, Microsoft Office products, email, copy, scrolling)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, in English.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in manufacturing environment which includes but not limited to: noise, changing temperatures (hot, wet, cold, humid), prolonged periods of standing/walking. Bending/stooping/climbing stairs, maneuvering around manufacturing equipment throughout the shift.
• Working with chemicals, wearing personal protective equipment and following approved chemical handling procedures.
• Good visual acuity with the ability to see and differentiate color.
• Sensory health, ability to taste, smell and evaluate odors and flavors.
• Physical lifting up to 50-lbs intermittently throughout shift. Physical lifting up to 50-lbs with assistance.
• Shift flexibility. This is a support role for a 24/7 manufacturing facility. Our quality technicians are assigned to a team on shifts, 24/7 operation to support manufacturing. Work days and shifts may change to help cover vacations/absences, during plant downtime or quality related events such as audits.

Saputo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Hourly rate $32.41

In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre, Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.

Accessibility

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. endeavors to make Saputo.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 214-863-2300 or email [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

EEO

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov.

California Applicant Privacy Notice (CCPA)

To review the Saputo Cheese USA Inc. Privacy Notice for California applicants, please visit our Corporate website associated section by clicking here (English) or here (Spanish).