Quality Associate/Technician

Company Overview

Ancient Crunch Inc. is the fastest-growing healthy snack brand in the U.S. Our flagship product, MASA Chips, is the #1 selling tallow-fried tortilla chips in premium retailers like Erewhon. We manufacture all MASA products in-house at our Hackettstown facility using real ingredients—no seed oils, artificial flavors, or preservatives. All operations adhere to strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety standards.

Reports To: Quality Assurance Manager
Location: Hackettstown, NJ
Schedule: Monday - Friday; weekend availability and a flexible working schedule are required for this 40-hour per week position. Specific shift assignments will be determined by the direct supervisor or manager and are subject to change based on evolving departmental and operational requirements.

Position Summary

The QA Technician is responsible for monitoring and verifying food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout production. This role performs required testing, conducts inspections, manage product holds, supports customer complaints investigations, and ensures compliance with GMP and regulatory requirements under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

The responsibilities listed below are not exhaustive. As Ancient Crunch scales, the requirements of this position will expand and adapt. The Quality Associate/Technician is expected to lead new initiatives and assume additional duties consistent with this title and the long-term evolution of our Quality strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Testing & Monitoring
  • Perform required in-process and finished product testing (moisture, peroxide and FFA).
  • Conduct raw material and ingredient inspections upon receipt.
  • Monitor and record production temperatures (fryers, coolers and storage area)
  • Verify allergen control procedures.
  • Sample preparation & Testing Records Maintenance.
  • Perform environmental monitoring and swabbing when required.
  • Maintain sanitary conditions, organize, monitor inventory of supplies and report equipment faults in the laboratory.
• Product Hold & Release
  • Place product on Hold when out-of-specification results or food safety concerns are identified.
  • Positive Release Program
  • Clearly label and segregate held product
  • Communication issues with QA Management and Production.
  • Assist in evaluation and final disposition of held materials
• Customer Complaints
  • Assist in investigating customer complaints\
  • Review production records, lot traceability, and retained samples.
  • Document findings and support corrective action implementation.
• Calibration & Equipment Verification
  • Perform and document verification of calibration for scales, thermometers, and other QA equipment.
  • Maintain calibration logs.
  • Report equipment issues to maintenance through work order requests.
• Work Orders & Repairs
  • Submit work orders for repairs related to food safety or quality issues.
  • Follow up to ensure timely correction of deficiencies.
  • Verify repairs were completed effectively.
• Glass & Brittle Plastic Inspections
  • Conduct routine glass and brittle plastic inspections.
  • Document finding and reporting any damage immediately.
  • Ensure corrective actions are taken to prevent contamination.
• GMP & Food Safety Inspections
  • Conduct daily GMP walks in production and warehouse areas.
  • Identify and report GMP violations (hairnets, hygiene, cross-contaminations risks).
  • Support sanitation verification activities.
  • Documentation & Compliance
  • Accurately complete QA logs and inspection forms.
  • Maintain traceability records.
  • Support internal and external audits.
  • Ensure compliance with HACCP and the company food safety program.
  • Monitor GMP's sanitation procedures, and quality procedures as set forth by QA and or supervisors in all areas of the plant.
• General
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the QA Manager.
  • Hazard Prevention: Help to keep all work areas clean and free of unsafe obstacles.
  • Educate: Educate yourself and others on the correct standard operating procedures for the task you are responsible for.
  • Accountable: It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the company's policies and procedures.
  • Report Food Safety Issues: It is your responsibility to communicate any food safety and quality problems to your supervisor to initiate action.
  • Training: Attend all required training and pass all necessary knowledge or skill-based evaluations.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Computer skills to prepare reports to communicate outcomes of quality activities
• Mathematical skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong communication skills – verbal and written
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Problem Analysis and problem solving
• Quality Minded and Good judgement
• Team Oriented
• Ability to work independently
• Responsible for complying to all Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies/procedures and requirements for position.

Physical Requirements (Onsite) 

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry materials throughout the shift
• Ability to use stairs and ladders throughout the shift
• Ability to work in hot, humid, wet, and industrial production environments
• Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators, gloves, hearing protection, face shields, and protective clothing

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the U.S. and able to commute to Hackettstown, NJ
• Good memory, follow-up skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Interest in product quality, manufacturing, or food/science environments a plus
• Bachelor's degree preferred

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• A health and wellness-focused culture
• All the chips you can eat!

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Ancient Crunch Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

All employment decisions at Ancient Crunch Inc.—including hiring, promotion, discipline, or discharge—are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

In accordance with the ADA, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so creates an undue hardship for the company. Applicants requiring accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the HR Department.