Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance Technician

The Quality Assurance Technician plays a key role in monitoring, supporting, and ensuring daily compliance with food safety and quality requirements. This position leads by example in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement, and demonstrates a strong willingness to step outside of their comfort zone to take on new challenges and expand their knowledge in food safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform regular physical inspections and analytical testing of products and processes to verify food safety and quality, including assessments of color, pH, seal integrity, temperature, date codes, X-ray monitoring, weight checks, label accuracy, allergen controls, and cleanliness.
• Document all food safety and quality checks accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring records meet internal and regulatory standards.
• Ensure all stakeholders follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), good housekeeping practices, and company policies and procedures throughout the facility.
• Execute product hold and release procedures by thoroughly reviewing and assessing food safety and quality, providing feedback and guidance on corrective actions when non-conformance issues arise.
• Perform pre-operation inspections of line equipment and processing environments at the start of shifts or during line changeovers, including environmental testing such as ATP and allergen tests.
• Collect retain samples from production lines and conduct product evaluations at the end of the product shelf life.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment at defined frequencies and maintain accurate calibration records.
• Take appropriate actions to correct deviations or promptly notify the Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Manager when issues are identified.
• Act as a key monitor for reinforcing GMPs across plant and warehouse facilities by performing direct observations of facility and processing conditions during production.
• Address GMP discrepancies with the appropriate departments and follow up to ensure corrective actions are implemented and effective.
• Lead GMP by example, reinforcing best practices during operating hours and conducting GMP inspections of assigned areas, communicating findings and actions taken.
• Support preparation for third-party audits, including FDA, USDA, Organic, SQF, and customer audits, by following documented protocols and assisting with required documentation and readiness activities.
• Audit food safety and quality records completed by operators to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Maintain laboratory and work areas in an organized, clean, and safe condition.
• Identify opportunities to improve current methods, processes, and documentation, and make recommendations to the FSQ Manager.
• Demonstrate adaptability by responding appropriately to unexpected changes in production, processes, or priorities.
• Actively seek to develop technical knowledge by learning from peers and engaging in ongoing growth and development opportunities.
• Serve as a backup for the FSQ Lead and other FSQ team members during their absence, ensuring continuity of food safety and quality activities.
• Assist in delivering new hire and refresher training on food safety and quality topics to reinforce standards and expectations.
• Participate in mock recalls and mock product withdrawal sessions to support traceability and crisis readiness.
• Support the FSQ Department in continuous improvement efforts and follow up on the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Keep the FSQ Manager informed about issues, trends, and opportunities for improvement related to food safety and quality.
• Assist with special in-plant or laboratory projects as assigned, contributing technical support and documentation as needed.

Essential Skills

• Experience in quality assurance within a food manufacturing or food science environment.
• Working knowledge of food science principles and their application in production and quality control.
• Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and their practical implementation on the production floor.
• Ability to perform and interpret physical and analytical tests such as pH, temperature, seal integrity, weight checks, and allergen and environmental testing.
• Proficiency in documenting food safety and quality checks with attention to accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to calibrate and operate laboratory equipment and instruments safely and effectively.
• Strong observational skills to identify deviations in processes, facility conditions, and GMP compliance.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with production, warehouse, and FSQ team members regarding findings, corrective actions, and process improvements.
• Capability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and follow established procedures and protocols.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds, stand or sit for extended periods, and perform repetitive tasks with hands and arms.
• Ability to frequently stand, lift, walk, reach, stoop, bend, and use senses such as smelling, listening, and seeing to perform essential job duties.
• Ability to bend, stoop, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods as needed.
• Close visual acuity to view computer terminals, analyze reports, and manage detailed data accurately.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in food science, quality assurance, or a related field.
• Experience supporting third-party audits such as FDA, USDA, Organic, SQF, or customer audits.
• Familiarity with hold and release procedures, mock recalls, and product withdrawal processes.
• Experience conducting GMP inspections and documenting findings and corrective actions.
• Interest in continuous learning, including participation in training, certifications, and professional development opportunities.
• Ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives and recommend enhancements to methods, documentation, and knowledge transfer.
• Comfort working both independently and as part of a collaborative, supportive team environment.
• Strong sense of ownership, reliability, and commitment to maintaining high food safety and quality standards.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing facility and laboratory environment. The typical shift starts in the evening around 9:00 p.m., and the schedule generally runs Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday work depending on production needs. Flexibility in working hours is important, as work time may vary based on project and production requirements. Temperatures in processing departments range from approximately 5F to 90F, and the plant environment includes exposure to potentially dangerous machinery and equipment, as well as potential electrical, mechanical, and chemical hazards. The noise level is high and constant, and floors may be damp and slick, requiring consistent attention to safety and proper footwear. The position involves frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and repetitive hand and arm movements. The work culture emphasizes tenure, loyalty, and team cohesion, with a strong focus on collaboration, independence, and mutual support. The organization values flexibility in scheduling when possible and actively supports employee growth through education, training, and certifications, including internal promotion opportunities for high-performing team members.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Union City, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Union City, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 2026.