Quality Assurance Tech (FSQA Tech)

Quality Assurance TechnicianFresh Mark in Massillon, Ohio, is now hiring a Quality Assurance Technician. The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the production of safe, high-quality food products by monitoring manufacturing processes, verifying compliance with food safety and quality standards, and conducting routine inspections and testing throughout the facility. This position supports food safety initiatives by performing quality checks in production, packaging, warehousing, and sanitation areas while ensuring compliance with company policies, customer specifications, and all applicable regulatory requirements, including USDA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, and SQF standards.Minimum RequirementsHigh School Diploma or GED required.Associate degree or certificate in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.One (1) or more years of Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Food Safety, or manufacturing experience in a food production environment preferred.Experience working in USDA-inspected food manufacturing facilities is preferred.Starting rate is $17.50/hr. Additional desired skills and qualifications:Working knowledge of FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP principles, and food safety regulations.Familiarity with SQF, sanitation programs, environmental monitoring, and preventive controls.Understanding of food manufacturing processes, quality systems, and regulatory compliance requirements.Experience conducting audits, inspections, and product evaluations in a manufacturing environment.Ability to identify and communicate food safety and quality concerns effectively.Key AccountabilitiesConduct routine quality inspections and process verification checks throughout production, packaging, storage, and sanitation operations.Perform product evaluations including physical, analytical, microbiological, and sensory testing in accordance with company procedures and customer specifications.Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.Perform environmental monitoring and sampling activities using proper aseptic and sterile techniques.Support and coordinate environmental monitoring and sanitation verification programs.Conduct pre-operational inspections to verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup.Verify Critical Control Points (CCPs), operational controls, and required documentation as part of the facility's HACCP and food safety programs.Review and maintain quality records, test results, production documentation, and regulatory reports.Investigate, document, and communicate quality or food safety deviations to management.Provide independent oversight of manufacturing operations and escalate non-conformances when identified.Assist with product retention programs, sample collection, and product disposition activities.Calibrate and verify testing and monitoring equipment as required.Support internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.Assist in employee training related to food safety, GMPs, quality standards, and plant procedures.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance food safety, product quality, and operational efficiency.Attend and complete all required company training programs.Food Safety and Quality ResponsibilitiesPerform raw material, in-process, and finished product sampling and evaluations as required.Verify incoming ingredients, packaging materials, and finished goods meet established specifications.Conduct sanitation audits and pre-operational inspections to ensure compliance with food safety standards.Execute environmental monitoring and verification programs.Monitor and document compliance with HACCP plans, prerequisite programs, GMPs, and food safety procedures.Verify production line compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements.Report food safety, quality, and regulatory concerns immediately to management.Ensure accurate and timely completion of all required quality and food safety documentation.Support continuous compliance with USDA, FDA, SQF, HACCP, OSHA, and company food safety requirements.Promote a strong food safety culture throughout the facility.Required Skills, Knowledge or abilities:Knowledge of food safety and quality assurance principles within a manufacturing environment.Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify quality and food safety concerns.Ability to interpret specifications, procedures, policies, and quality standards.Experience using quality testing and monitoring equipment.Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.Basic mathematical and analytical skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.Experience with data entry, documentation review, and quality record maintenance.Effective verbal and written communication skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Production, Maintenance, Sanitation, and Operations teams.Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining accuracy and compliance.We invite you to be part of our exciting team and rapidly growing business.Fresh Mark provides an excellent work environment and comprehensive benefits including paid vacations and holidays, educational assistance and reimbursement, health care with low premiums and deductibles, vision, 401K with company match and more.At Fresh Mark, people come first. It's not just a slogan, it is engrained in the fabric of who we are and what we work to achieve every day. The cornerstone of our culture is based on a foundation of taking care of all our employees on every level. As a team member here, you will be given the tools, leadership, and support to grow in your knowledge and career and as a leader yourself.Owned and made in the USA for more than 100 years, Fresh Mark's Sugardale brand takes a personal approach to making great tasting high quality meats. For a century, we've been dedicated to making the best products, the best way. Made with top quality ingredients and workmanship, Sugardale supplies bacon, ham, hot dogs, sliced lunch meats, pepperoni and salami and other specialty meat items with annual sales of more than $1 billion.Fresh Mark welcomes all interested people to apply for job opportunities in our company. We pride ourselves in being a diverse company and we consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability or any legally protected status.All applicants applying for positions with Fresh Mark must accept the Employment Application Consent Form to continue their candidacy.Fresh Mark is a drug free workplace.Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.