Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance Technician

We are on a mission to grow Second Nature Brands from $500MM to $1+B in the next 2 years through a combination of organic growth and through M&A. This position will be based out of our Kar's Nuts factory in Madison Heights, MI 48071.

The QA Technician performs daily food safety, quality, and sanitation activities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company FSQMS, and GFSI standards. This role supports production through monitoring, testing, documentation, and verification of critical control measures while maintaining audit readiness and promoting a proactive food safety culture. The QA Technician collaborates with operations, maintenance, warehouse, and sanitation teams to prevent and resolve issues.

Regular working hours are Monday through Friday, morning shift 3p-11p weekday or weekend overtime as needed. The starting rate is $18.00 per hour plus $1.00 shift premium.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Shift Start-Up & Communication
  • Review with previous shift to identify unresolved issues, current shift needs, and potential risks or "lookouts."
  • Verify batches and line setups against SAP BOMs and production orders.
  • Prepare QA equipment, documentation, and testing materials.
  • Conduct walkthroughs to identify food safety or quality risks.
• In-Process Quality & Verification
  • Monitor production for compliance with SOPs, GMPs, HACCP, and food safety programs.
  • Verify labeling, coding, weights, and other product specifications.
  • Support changeover, rework, and hold/release verification.
  • Collect samples for retain sampling and any additional sampling required
• Equipment & Sanitation Monitoring
  • Ensure production and QA equipment function properly.
  • Monitor process parameters and escalate out-of-spec results.
  • Conduct ATP, visual, and allergen verification swabs.
  • Verify allergen controls and cross-contamination prevention practices.
• Documentation & Communication
  • Maintain accurate, audit-ready records.
  • Complete end-of-shift documentation and communicate outstanding issues.
  • Support internal, regulatory, and customer audits.
  • Make immediate decisions on product or equipment safety when management is unavailable.
  • Promote proactive risk identification and corrective action among team members.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• High School Diploma required; Associate/bachelor's in food science, Microbiology, or related preferred
• 13 years in food manufacturing, QA, or food safety preferred; GFSI-certified facility experience a plus
• English language proficiency.
• Skills & Knowledge:
  • HACCP, Preventive Controls, GMPs, SOP, inspection, FSQMS knowledge
  • PCQI certification or equivalent preferred
  • Interpret regulatory requirements and specifications
  • Strong documentation accuracy and attention to detail
  • Proficiency with SAP, RedZone, Microsoft Office
• Physical Requirements
  • Lift up to 25 lbs. regularly; move up to 50 lbs. as needed
  • 70% standing/walking, 20% sitting.
  • Ability to climb stairs/ladders and move throughout the facility
• Work Environment
  • Indoor food manufacturing with moving equipment and high noise; PPE required
  • Occasional outdoor exposure.
  • Exposure to food allergens
• Core Competencies
  • Attention to detail, critical thinking, problem-solving
  • Clear, assertive communication
  • Ownership, accountability, and pride in work
  • Team collaboration and audit readiness
  • Proactive risk identification and mitigation
• Additional Requirements
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and independent
  • English proficiency
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned, at any time with or without notice.

This is a full-time position that includes a comprehensive benefit package including paid time off, employee discount, medical, dental, disability and life insurance and a 401(k) plan with company match!

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. Second Nature Brands is a leading U.S. manufacturer of premium and better-for-you snacking and treat products. Our brands include Kar's, Second Nature Sanders , Brownie Brittle, Sahale, and Voortman. Check out our website to see how Second Nature Brands is creating snacks and treats that make lives better, naturally.