Food Quality Technician

Food Quality Technician

The Food Quality Technician is responsible for ensuring products manufactured on continuous cooking equipment consistently meet established food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This role performs in-process analytical and sensory testing, monitors production and packaging operations for compliance with HACCP and GMP requirements, and supports quality assurance initiatives through accurate documentation and effective cross-functional communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform in-process analytical testing on products manufactured on continuous cooking equipment, including measurements of soluble solids, viscosity, and color.
• Conduct sensory and visual evaluations to verify product flavor, texture, appearance, and overall quality.
• Audit cooking and packaging operations to ensure compliance with HACCP requirements, including verification of product weights, package integrity, temperatures, coding accuracy, and GMP adherence.
• Monitor production processes and take appropriate action when food safety or quality deviations occur.
• Verify that labels, packaging materials, and printed films meet approved specifications and standards.
• Conduct annual raw material validations by comparing supplier Certificates of Analysis (COAs) against internal specifications.
• Review incoming raw materials, Bills of Lading (BOLs), and COAs for accuracy and compliance.
• Report food safety and quality issues to supervisors or designated quality personnel and assist with corrective action documentation.
• Perform environmental monitoring activities, including equipment and facility swabbing, to support sanitation and verification programs.
• Provide quality coverage on the production floor and within the quality laboratory as needed.
• Communicate effectively with production, quality, and management teams regarding food safety and product quality matters.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation, including testing records, audit logs, and quality reports.

Required Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, or Food Safety within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience performing food quality testing and analytical measurements such as soluble solids, viscosity, and color analysis.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food manufacturing regulations.
• Experience reviewing production documentation, batch records, and quality-related records.
• Familiarity with HACCP principles and food safety compliance programs.
• Ability to review and interpret Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and shipping documentation.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify, document, and communicate quality concerns.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 1-2 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with laboratory, manufacturing, or quality experience.
• Prior experience in a food manufacturing quality laboratory.
• Exposure to environmental monitoring, sanitation verification, and food safety programs.
• Ability to work effectively in both production and laboratory environments.

Work Environment

This position is primarily a 2nd Shift role, working Monday through Friday from 3:30 PM to 12:00 AM, with rotating Saturdays based on production needs. The role requires time spent on the production floor supporting manufacturing and packaging operations, as well as in a quality laboratory conducting analytical and sensory testing. The environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring strict adherence to GMP, HACCP, food safety, and quality standards while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.