Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance TechnicianEcho Lake Foods is a leading manufacturer of ready-to-eat egg products and breakfast foods, including waffles, pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, omelets, and egg patties, serving major retail, foodservice, and national restaurant customers across the United States. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Burlington, Wisconsin, the company operates multiple production facilities throughout the Midwest and has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and customer partnerships.In 2025, Echo Lake Foods was acquired by Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States, marking an exciting new chapter of growth. This partnership strengthens our resources, expands our capabilities, and supports continued investment in our people, facilities, and products. Creating new opportunities for employees to grow their careers within a stable and expanding organization.The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for performing all in-process, finished product, and environmental quality checks to ensure products meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications. This role supports food safety, GMP compliance, documentation accuracy, and real-time communication of deviations. The QA Tech plays a critical role in verifying CCP/CP controls, maintaining traceability, monitoring sanitation effectiveness, and upholding the integrity of the plant's SQF/HACCP programs.Hours: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AMKey ResponsibilitiesProduct & Process VerificationPerform in-process checks, including:Product weight, appearance, temperature, dimensionsPackaging integrity, seal checks, and case coding verificationMetal detection and X-ray verification testsCCP/CP monitoring for HACCP programsConduct finished product inspections for compliance with customer specifications and regulatory standards.Evaluate raw materials or ingredients as required and document non-conformances.GMP & Food Safety ComplianceMonitor production areas to ensure adherence to GMPs, allergen control procedures, hygiene requirements, and environmental controls.Report and document any GMP violations immediately and support corrective actions.Verify proper gowning, handwashing, sanitation setup, and chemical usage compliance.Conduct environmental checks such as ATP testing, allergen swabs, and surface sanitation verification.Documentation & RecordkeepingComplete all QA documentation accurately, legibly, and in real time, including:CCP/CP monitoring logsCalibration and verification recordsHold tags, deviation reports, and corrective action documentationTraceability and lot control verificationEnsure records meet regulatory and SQF requirements for accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness.Assist with data entry, trending, and reporting for quality metrics.Hold, Deviations & Non-Conformance ManagementPlace product on hold when deviations occur and ensure proper identification, segregation, and documentation.Assist QA leadership in investigating root causes for quality or food safety issues.Participate in corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes.Communicate issues in real time to Production, Maintenance, and Supervisors.Calibration, Testing & Equipment VerificationPerform calibration of QA tools such as scales, thermometers, test strips, pH meters, and verification tools.Conduct routine operational checks on quality-critical equipment, such as:Metal detectorsX-ray systemsCheckweighersTemperature controlsDocument failures and coordinate with Production or Maintenance for resolution.Cross-Functional Communication & SupportProvide QA guidance to Production, Packaging, and Sanitation teams throughout the shift.Communicate quality issues clearly and promptly to Supervisors and QA leadership.Support pre-operational inspections, allergen changeovers, and sanitation verifications.Participate in internal audits, mock recalls, and SQF preparedness activities.QualificationsRequiredUnderstanding of GMPs, food safety, HACCP, and basic microbiology or sanitation principles.Strong attention to detail and ability to identify defects or process deviations.Ability to complete documentation accurately and follow written procedures.Basic math, measurement, and inspection skills.Ability to work in fast-paced environments and communicate effectively with production teams.PreferredExperience in food manufacturing or a QA/FSQA role.Familiarity with SQF, FSMA, traceability, and regulatory expectations.Bilingual (English/Spanish).Experience with metal detectors, X-ray systems, and checkweighers.Physical RequirementsAbility to stand, walk, and move throughout the plant for extended periods.Ability to work in cold, hot, or humid environments depending on production area.Capability to lift up to 25–40 lbs if required.Frequent bending, reaching, and handling small tools or samples.Work EnvironmentFood manufacturing facility with exposure to moving equipment, variable temperatures, wet floors, and loud noise.Requires strict adherence to GMPs, safety rules, and sanitation requirements.We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, military service, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.