QA Technician

Quality Technician (1st & 2nd Shift)

The Quality Technician supports the quality assurance program by inspecting, sampling, and testing raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods within a food manufacturing environment. This role helps ensure that all products meet regulatory, safety, and company quality standards through routine inspections, documentation, and audits across both laboratory and production floor settings.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming inspection, sampling, testing, and release of raw materials and packaging components.
• Conduct auditing, swabbing, and release of operations areas and equipment after clean-up activities.
• Issue product-specific labeling generated on-site and verify master production records (MPRs) for the packaging team.
• Verify HACCP program activities during the production of bulk and retail products.
• Perform organoleptic and physical testing of raw materials, work-in-process materials, bulk products, and retail finished goods.
• Collect and route product samples to customers and third-party testing facilities as required.
• Conduct routine GMP audits of the production facility and provide daily scores used to determine audit readiness.
• Complete accurate data entry for the usage of raw materials and packaging components used during manufacturing.
• Support quality assurance and quality control activities related to FDA, USDA, and food safety requirements.
• Review labels and batch records for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with document control tasks, including maintaining and organizing quality and production documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts related to food quality, food safety, and audit readiness.
• Perform other quality-related duties as assigned on the lab bench and production floor.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience working in a food manufacturing environment is ideal but not required.
• At least 6 months of experience with document control in a regulated or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control practices in the food industry.
• Familiarity with HACCP principles and their application in food manufacturing.
• Understanding of GMP requirements and routine audit practices.
• Ability to perform inspection, sampling, and testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products.
• Competence in data entry and accurate documentation of material usage and quality records.
• Ability to review and verify batch records, MPRs, and product labels.
• Basic understanding of food safety, food quality, and regulatory expectations (FDA, USDA).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures and protocols.
• Effective communication skills to work with production, packaging, and quality teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Experience in food manufacturing, food safety, or food quality roles.
• Exposure to FDA and USDA-regulated environments.
• Experience with batch record review and quality documentation.
• Familiarity with quality audits and inspection processes in the food industry.
• Understanding of organoleptic and physical testing methods for food products.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including sample preparation and testing.
• Ability to support multiple tasks, including auditing, swabbing, and sample collection on the production floor.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a stable work environment with low turnover and a team that has been together for more than seven years. The organization offers clear opportunities for growth within quality assurance, with performance-based recognition and the potential to transfer among multiple plants across the United States. Team members enjoy strong benefits, profit sharing, and a competitive 401(k) program with a 6% match, supporting both professional development and long-term financial well-being.

Work Environment

This role operates in a food manufacturing facility with approximately 80% of the time spent in a laboratory setting and 20% on the production floor. In the lab, you will focus on testing finished products, preparing samples, and reviewing labels using standard laboratory equipment and documentation systems. On the production floor, you will conduct daily audits, collect samples, perform swabbing, and support various quality-related tasks. Openings are available on 1st shift (MondayFriday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and 2nd shift (MondayFriday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.), with weekends worked as needed. The environment emphasizes adherence to GMP and food safety practices, with appropriate lab and production attire required in each area.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Covington, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Covington, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 6, 2026.