QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN

Overview Culture Fresh Foods, Inc is a Dairy and Non-Dairy processing facility headquartered in Naugatuck, CT. The facility produces a wide range of dairy and plant-based spoonable and spreadable cultured and ESL (extended shelf life) products for private label, co-pack and under its own brand. Quality Assurance Technician Location: Naugatuck, CT, US Job Title: Quality Assurance Technician Department: Quality Assurance Reports To: Quality Assurance Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Summary The Quality Assurance Technician plays a critical role in ensuring product safety and quality by performing microbiological, chemical, and physical testing of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), finished goods (FG), and equipment. The technician ensures that all activities comply with regulatory requirements and Company standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and the Company’s food safety and quality programs. The position is managed and directly reports to the Quality Assurance Manager of the Company. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Coordinate sampling activities in alignment with the production schedule. Manage monitoring, calibration, and verification plans. Organize and schedule retesting, water sampling, reference tests, chemical titration, and laboratory cleaning. Maintain and update laboratory work instructions. Act as a departmental representative on cross-functional teams and continuous improvement initiatives. Liaise regularly with the QA Manager and interdepartmental staff (e.g., production, shipping, procurement, maintenance). Perform any other tasks assigned by the Quality Assurance Manager. Technical Responsibilities Performed microbiological, chemical, and physical testing on raw materials, in-process materials, and finished goods per the sampling plan. Conduct organoleptic (sensory) evaluation of finished products. Perform and document analyses of CIP (Clean-in-Place) cleaning solutions. Conduct and document equipment calibration, verification, and environmental monitoring activities. Handle customer sample shipping and water sample collection/shipping as scheduled. Conduct in-plant verification checks (e.g., weight, temperatures) and record findings. Observe production lines to ensure compliance with GMPs and report recurring issues to QA management. Verify compliance with product specifications and alert QA Manager of any deviations. Participate in product trials and initial production runs, providing QA support. Propose and implement corrective actions to improve food safety and quality. Keep the QA Manager informed of key developments and actions taken during daily activities. Always wear appropriate laboratory and safety gear. Special Duties Participate in traceability exercises and mock recalls. Conduct workflow improvements and perform specialized lab tasks as assigned. Verify and update work instructions, records, logs, and QA-related systems. Maintain accurate data in the non-conformity tracking system. SQF Requirements Maintain good safety and food quality through completing job tasks and maintaining the work area in a sanitary manner. Required to wear food safety and sanitation clothing and PPE. This position necessitates conformance to personal hygiene regulations. Report food safety problems to personnel with authority to initiate action. Ensure all programs are being upheld and documentation is current. Qualifications Degree in food science, microbiology, or a related food industry discipline (e.g., food technology). Several years of experience in a quality or lab role within the food or dairy industry preferred. Strong background in microbiology, analytical methods, and food technology. Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to guide lab operations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively across departments and with a diverse, multilingual workforce. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Adaptability to dynamic environments and operational changes. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills. Must pass a company pre-employment background, physical, and drug screen prior to commencing work. Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands and stretch and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb ladders and work at heights of up to 100 feet, or balance and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must have full range of body motion. While performing in this role the individual is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and /or humid conditions and risk of electrical shock. Exposure to cold storage, loud machinery, dust, and variable outdoor conditions. Employee may come in contact with cleaning chemicals and industrial equipment. The employee will be required to use all personal protective equipment provided by the Company in compliance with OSHA regulations. The employee must obey all safety rules. Why Join Us? Culture Fresh Foods Inc. offers a collaborative and innovative workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development. Join our team to make a meaningful impact in the food manufacturing industry. The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. #J-18808-Ljbffr