Quality Assurance Technician

Job TitlePrimo Brands is a leading branded beverage company in North America with a focus on healthy hydration. We are proud to offer an extensive and iconic portfolio of highly recognizable, sustainably sourced, and conveniently packaged branded beverages distributed across more than 150,000 retail outlets.Location: Portland, ORPay Rate: $27.50 Hourly (Increases after first 90 and 180 days upon successful review)Shift: M-F 12:00pm - 8:30pm Saturdays as neededShift Differential: 6%-8% of the base hourly rate for applicable hours workedNeeded flexibility to work overtime and weekends based on business needsBenefits of working for Primo Brands:Health Benefits: Medical, prescription, dental, vision, flexible spending account (FSA), dependent care flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA)Retirement/Investing: 401K with a 5% match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)Insurance: Employee Life Insurance, short and long-term disability, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, spouse/domestic partner/child life insurance, accidental death and dismembermentOther great benefits: Employee discounts, save on auto, home, and pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation and sick time, 9 paid holidays and 3 paid floating holidays, paid leave for when you have a baby, adopt a child, or become a foster parent, legal services, identity theft protection, employee assistance program (EAP), adoption reimbursement benefit, FEDlogic, commuter benefitsResponsibilitiesConduct basic water chemistry tests (e.g., pH, turbidity, residual cleaning chemicals)Ensure quality of processes, raw materials and finished products through inspection, diagnosis and record keepingPerform online inspection, sanitation and cleaning activities effectivelyCommunicate with production technicians and team leaders to resolve potential quality issuesConduct coliform and air testing, pseudomonas, yeast, mold, and algae testsPerform positive and negative controlsCollect samples using aseptic techniques for microbiological analysisConduct chemical, physical, sensory, and microbiological tests on various samplesEvaluate results against specificationsPerform testing on inbound, new and reconditioned equipment and raw materialsPrepare testing media, perform sterility testing, and ensure suitability of mediaMonitor incoming water from pipelines and bulk deliveriesMaintain UV-light reactors, including lamp/ballast changes and calibration verificationClean and disinfect water process piping and storage tanksConduct internal audits for quality/food safety programs, document findings, and develop corrective actionsMonitor and analyze consumer complaintsActively participate in the DOR, taking actions and coaching to gain results for manufacturing excellenceManage the factory release of finished productsPerform other duties as assignedCollaborate with maintenance to troubleshoot system or equipment failuresQualificationsBachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science/Technology, or comparable Science fieldMinimum (2) years' experience in related role, prior exposure to manufacturing in the food or beverage industry preferredPrior experience working with chemicals is requiredKnowledge of microbiological techniques such as preparation of media, reading and interpreting microbial growth and standard plating techniquesKnowledge of EPA and FDA regulations for water and waste disposalAble to lift and pull 50 lbs. as needed while performing workMust be able to do physical inspections of equipment that will require climbing, reaching, and extending arms overhead