Quality Assurance Technician

Job Details Location: WL - WHEELING, IL 60090 Position Type: Full Time Salary Range: $21.00 - $26.00 per hour Shift: 1st Shift Job Summary The Quality Assurance Technician performs routine daily tasks that ensure the products manufactured meet food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements. Various tests are performed, and results are recorded and reported daily. This position offers a wide variety of interactions with all members of the plant team and exposure to the entire manufacturing process. The Quality Technician II will be responsible for maintaining USDA and Food Safety requirements. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Conduct daily inspections including pre-operative and Food Safety to ensure sanitary conditions of the line before start-up. Document and communicate results to Lead Quality Tech. Conduct daily operating inspections to ensure compliance with GMPs and USDA requirements. Conduct CCP/CQP checks including hourly metal detector test, temperature verifications, and code date verifications. Ensure ATP swab tests are performed daily and weekly on the line; conduct the test when necessary. Monitor HACCP critical control points. Perform inbound raw and packaging material checks to ensure customer requirements are met. Calibrate lab scale, pH meter, and salt analyzer. Conduct organic start‑up tests, ensuring no unauthorized cleaner used, line was triple rinsed, and pH 7 on the line. Perform Food Safety & Quality audits, including production room/storage temperature checks and daily operational inspections. Change thermometer recorder charts as needed. Keep stock of laboratory and production supplies; inform supervisor of supply issues. Liaison with USDA. Implement code‑date sheet requirements to verify correct expiration/code information on finished product. Report and follow up on Food Safety and Food Quality concerns; stop line for any major findings. Lead pizza line coverage checks. Notify supervisor of all downtimes. Follow and enforce all Food Safety PPE/GMP requirements and report any concerns. Conduct other duties as assigned by the supervisor. First line of defense for reporting food safety/food quality issues; provide corrective action and collaborate with the proper department to solve issues in real time. Maintain good documentation. Conduct in-depth observations and monthly audits, including glass and brittle plastic audits. Perform inventory adjustments as needed for lot code clarifications in the ERP system. Place products on hold physically and systematically in the ERP system. Perform verification of disposed materials per RFI disposal process. Assist during customer complaint investigations; document retrieval, retain retrieval, and sensory/cooking verifications. Create foreign material reports for any internal foreign material findings and conduct root‑cause investigations. Required Qualifications High School Diploma or GED required. 1‑4 years experience in a manufacturing environment. Ability to read, write, and speak English. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in food manufacturing. Coursework completed in food science, microbiology, or related degree. Essential Skills and Abilities Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. Strong organizational skills. Ability to interact and manage conflict in stressful situations while maintaining composure and perspective. Ability to identify, define, and solve problems. Strong initiative and the ability to work with others to achieve desired results. A sense of accountability for results. Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office. Ability to work cooperatively and maintain a professional working relationship with employees. Ability to read and understand formula sheets. Working Conditions While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and power industrial trucks. The employee is frequently exposed to cold, wet, and/or humid conditions. Noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Requires 100% onsite attendance to perform the essential functions of the role. Physical Demands Employee is regularly required to stand for the duration of the production shift; talk or hear; use hands or fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Frequently required to walk. Infrequently required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 70 pounds. Pay and Benefits Compensation is based on experience, geographic location, and other legally permitted factors. Pay range is $21.00–$26.00 per hour. This position may also be eligible for overtime pay and shift differentials. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre‑tax spending accounts; 401(k) with company match; paid time off; short‑term and long‑term disability; and life insurance. Disclosures This job description is not intended, nor should it be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended only as a general description of the essential functions common to positions of this type. Equal Opportunity Richelieu Foods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Richelieu Foods