Quality Technician $17-22 1st & 2nd Shift

Priority Dispatch Corp.; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Priority Dispatch Corp. is seeking a Quality Control Technician in Meriden, CT to uphold product quality through HACCP, GMP, sanitation, and SQF initiatives, while educating staff on regulatory compliance. You will support QA, food safety, and SQF programs in daily operations.

You will perform pre-operational inspections, calibrations, CCP data recording, and maintain documentation for production records. English proficiency is required; lifting up to 30 lbs is expected.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• English; bilingual preferred.
• 1-2 years of Production/food industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Ensure product specifications met by measurements and data analysis.
• Conduct daily pre-operational inspections and ATP testing.
• Inspect equipment for rust or damage to prevent contamination.
• Calibrate scales, thermometers, metal detectors, and X-ray equipment.
• Monitor sanitizer concentrations to meet sanitation standards.
• Verify metal detection and X-ray systems for proper operation.
• Document production records, quality checks, and regulatory compliance.
• Record CCP data and ensure traceability in production batches.
• Communicate quality deviations to QA Manager and Shift Supervisor.
• Assist with GMP, HACCP, and SQF program adherence.
• Support other departments to maintain smooth operations.

Skills

Attention to detail

English language

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Chamberlain - MERIDEN, CT 06451

Position Type: Full Time

Summary: The Quality Control Technician is primarily responsible for quality assurance of all products through administration of HACCP, GMP’s, Sanitation, Pest Management and other programs that ensure regulatory compliance and education of staff. The position supports the Quality, Food Safety and SQF initiatives outlined in the Quality Manual and SQF Program.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure product specifications are consistently met by performing measurements, recording results, analyzing data, and collaborating with production personnel to drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct and document daily pre-operational inspections, including visual checks and ATP swab testing using a luminometer, to verify that production areas are approved for startup.
• Inspect equipment and production areas for rust, damage, or peeling paint to prevent potential foreign material contamination.
• Calibrate, verify, and document accuracy of scales, thermometers, metal detectors, and X-ray equipment at the start of each production shift.
• Monitor, test, and record sanitizer concentrations to ensure compliance with sanitation standards.
• Perform hourly verification of metal detection and X-ray systems to ensure proper operation and food safety compliance.
• Prepare, maintain, and complete all required documentation for production records, quality checks, and regulatory compliance.
• Verify product weights during processing and packaging to ensure compliance with internal specifications and customer requirements.
• Record and document all Critical Control Point (CCP) data, including temperatures and time controls, in accordance with HACCP requirements.
• Identify, document, and communicate quality deviations or process deficiencies to the QA Manager and Shift Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Record and document Quality Control Holds for ingredients and finished products based on specifications.
• Maintain compliance with USDA regulations, HACCP plans, and GMP standards throughout production operations.
• Collaborate with USDA inspectors during audits, inspections, and ongoing regulatory compliance activities.
• Partner with production supervisors and team members to ensure adherence to quality standards and customer specifications.
• Ensure proper availability and placement of required production supplies, including gloves, hairnets, beard nets, hearing protection, aprons, and sanitation station materials (soap, paper towels, hand and shoe sanitizers).
• Monitor and record freezer and cooler temperatures to ensure proper environmental control for ingredients and finished products.
• Perform and monitor product parameters such as pasta hydration and drained weight, ensuring compliance with specifications.
• Collect finished product samples for retain testing and scheduled microbiological analysis.
• Communicate and coordinate with external service technicians during calibration and maintenance of scales, metal detectors, and X-ray equipment.
• Verify ingredient usage, lot numbers, and quantities to ensure accuracy and traceability in production batches.
• Review labels and packaging materials prior to production to ensure alignment with product specifications.
• Confirm correct ingredients, lot numbers, and quantities are used throughout production processes.
• Ensure specification sheets and visual/photo standards are clearly posted and available at production lines prior to startup.
• Communicate shift-to-shift information regarding quality issues, deviations, or operational concerns.
• Participate in food safety and operational programs, including Allergen Control, Pest Management, and Safety Committee initiatives.
• Provide support to other departments and roles as needed to ensure smooth production operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• English, Bilingual preferred.
• 1-2 years of Production Line Experience within the food industry a plus.
• Product knowledge: Acquire and maintain full knowledge of USDA and FDA codes, rules, and regulations.
• Proficiency in follow-up; ability to meet deadlines.
• Team player, positive can-do attitude.
• Ability to assess situations and make independent decisions to achieve success.
• Ability to bend, sit and stand.
• Ability to perform multiple complex tasks concurrently.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to see and walk for inspections of plant sites.
• Ability to hear.
• Ability to lift at least 30 lbs.