Quality Assurance Associate

Position Summary

The QA Associate is responsible for supporting the facility’s food safety and quality programs through routine inspections, environmental monitoring, product sampling, and verification activities. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal quality systems to maintain the safety, legality, and consistent quality of all products manufactured.

Key Responsibilities

1. Facility & Equipment Inspections

• Perform monthly site inspections of the facility, production areas, and equipment to verify compliance with GMPs, sanitation standards, and food safety requirements.

• Document findings, identify non conformances, and follow up on corrective actions with relevant departments.

• Monitor facility conditions to ensure readiness for audits and regulatory inspections.

1. Product Sampling & Microbiological Testing

• Collect and submit product samples for routine microbiological testing according to the sampling schedule.

• Ensure samples are properly labeled, documented, and transported following lab submission protocols.

• Review micro results and escalate any out of specification findings to QA leadership.

1. Environmental Monitoring

• Conduct monthly environmental swabbing of designated zones per the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP).

• Perform air quality testing as required by the environmental schedule.

• Maintain accurate records of swab locations, results, and corrective actions.

1. Quality Control Support

• Provide QC with product usage decisions, including hold/release recommendations based on inspection findings, micro results, and quality standards.

• Assist in verifying product quality attributes during production as needed.

1. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain complete and accurate records for inspections, sampling, environmental monitoring, and corrective actions.

• Support compliance with FDA, FSMA, GFSI, and customer requirements.

• Participate in internal audits and assist with external audits as required.

1. Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and QC teams to ensure food safety and quality expectations are met.

• Communicate issues promptly and professionally to ensure timely resolution.

Qualifications

• 1-3 yrs. Experience in food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, quality assurance, or food safety preferred.

• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, environmental monitoring, and microbiological testing.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures.

• Good communication and documentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

• Associates degree or high school with 1-3 years of experience.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to production equipment, raw materials, and routine sanitation activities.

• Requires standing, walking, and performing inspections in various facility areas.