QA Technician

Summary/Objective

The QA Technician is responsible for efficiently and accurately performing tasks related to product quality including microbial and chemical testing and inspecting product at various stages of the batching and production process.  Assist other lab members professionally and respectfully. Compile and evaluate data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct quality audits on the production floor daily, including Good Manufacturing Practices and Housekeeping.
• Follow and apply Food safety, Food defense, and Food security policies. Any deviations must to be communicated to supervisor and QA Manager.
• Conduct raw and packaging component sampling, inspection and testing. Record and evaluates test data, alerting Quality Assurance Manager to any deviations from specifications.
• Act as facilitator/coach in areas such as Quality Control techniques, Good Manufacturing Practices, product quality/safety and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Test product for a variety of qualities including chemical/physical characteristics, microbiological integrity and sensory evaluation, requiring taste & smell.
• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format, and completed with required information in accordance with company and regulatory agencies standards.
• Assist in identifying and managing Hold products.
• Perform equipment quality checks on production floor.
• Perform swabs on equipment and employees when need it and follow up proper corrective actions per SOP.
• Perform data entry on QA database.
• Responsible to use all necessary lab equipment and their proper calibration.
• Participate in department and safety meetings.
• Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes.
• Model corporate food safety culture strategies and practices to employees.

Additional Responsibilities

• May perform additional responsibilities directed from management.
• Promote and follow Rizo Lopez policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area
• Recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
• Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Laboratory Practices.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements

• Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset.
• Understanding of GLP (Good Laboratory Practices).
• Proper aseptic sample collection.
• Knowledge of basic statistical sampling and product sampling protocols needed.
• Utilizing various testing equipment such as: Foss FTIR, salt, pH analyzers, thermometers, scales, sample titrations, and pipettes.
• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Display strong organizational and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work individually as well as part of a team.
• An ability to communicate verbally and through writing is essential, as well as a working knowledge of computer systems.

Certification and License

None

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent years of experience.
• Working towards degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry related field.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field.
• 1-3 years Laboratory or Quality related experience in a food production environment.

Work Schedule

The typical work schedule is 8.00 hours per day , Monday - Friday; exact schedules and shifts are approved by management. 

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move objects that weigh more than 100 pounds. The employee must frequently use computer and other special operating equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment & Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, and hazardous chemicals. Employee should read the warning labels for information and instructions. Rizo Lopez maintains Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as required by law on hazardous products. SDS’s are kept at the office for review by employees. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.