Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance Technician IAt Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee's contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli's growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.The Quality Assurance Technician I (QA Tech I) is responsible for testing and inspecting products and processes at various points in the manufacturing process to ensure adherence to company quality & food safety standards. The role is responsible for establishing and executing the disposition of products that do not meet company quality standards and is responsible for performing and documenting quality and food safety results as required to ensure all products meet Ghirardelli's quality standards and food safety requirements.Responsibilities:Conduct analytical testing of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished product to assure company standards are met. Tests may include, but not be limited to color, particle size, fat content, moisture content, viscosity, pH, count per pound, free fatty acid and peroxide value, and flavorConduct case cutting product analysis to evaluate product quality and prevent large-scale issuesUtilize Good Laboratory Practices when conducting testing, handling out of specification results, labeling solutions, and recording dataMaintain proper calibration and verification of laboratory equipment and document results in the Internal Control Plan. Take appropriate action to correct equipment deviationsConduct co-manufacturing product analysis on retain samples and maintain recordsUtilize an electronic record-keeping system to ensure testing results are in complianceMonitor electronic weight and attribute system to ensure compliance to company weight and quality standards. Communicate deviations to the appropriate department for corrective actionHold non-conforming raw materials, packaging materials, WIP and finished productInvestigate and troubleshoot non-conformities and recommend appropriate disposition for product not meeting company quality standardsConduct Food Safety and Quality audits of production lines and records to ensure product being produced meets established standardsConduct environmental sampling at the required frequency, adhering to the Environmental Monitoring ProgramVerify and document proper allergen cleanup after production changeovers · Create documents as needed and ensure that documents being utilized accurately reflect current processes and methodologyAssist in training new techniciansMaintain the laboratory and work areas according to 5s standardsPrepare Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for customers upon requestsRecommend modifications of quality and production standards to achieve optimum qualitySpecial projects and other miscellaneous duties as assignedMinimum Education:High school diploma/GED required and 3+ years of related experienceBachelor's degree preferred (Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, or closely related field of study) and 1+ years of related experiencePhysical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements:Frequent to constant repetitive fine manipulation (keyboarding, ten key, writing)Occasional sittingConstant walkingConstant standingRare to Occasional twisting of the neck and waistRare to Occasional reaching at or below the shoulder levelRare to Occasional usage of verbal communication equipment (telephone, radio, cellular)Rare to Occasional squatting/bending/stooping/stretchingWork in laboratory with equipment and machineryHigh noise environmentA willingness to work weekend hours, overtime and any of the all shifts requiredHours: 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shiftHourly Pay: $26.50