Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician

Openwork is currently engaged in a search to find a QA Technician (Food Safety & Quality) in Macon. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting food safety and quality evaluations while monitoring Critical Control Points (CCP) and Critical Quality Points (CQP) to ensure fermented produce meets company, customer, and regulatory standards. This is a critical position directly impacting consumer safety. Important: This is not a clean, lab‑only environment. You will be standing in brine, exposed to strong odors, and doing a lot of walking. This role is hands‑on and essential to the operation. Responsibilities Conducting standardized food safety and quality tests on fermented produce to ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards. Monitoring and reporting Critical Control Points (CCP), including checking pH levels every 30 minutes according to company policies and procedures. Recording, compiling, and maintaining accurate testing results, charts, graphs, and reports as required by state and governing agencies. Evaluating color, texture, flavor, and overall quality of products such as pickles, relish, jalapeños, and yellow peppers through sensory testing. Monitoring and controlling product temperatures throughout the process. Properly recording lot identification for ingredients, labels, and finished products. Requesting, retrieving, and staging materials needed for testing and analysis. Following brine‑making procedures and monitoring analytical data for each brine batch. Enforcing and adhering to all company policies, procedures, and safety requirements, including PPE usage. Working collaboratively with production employees, Quality Assurance, management, and auditors in a team‑driven environment. Qualifications Stable work history and strong reliability – this is not a position for someone who is inconsistent. Basic math skills (required). Strong reading comprehension (mandatory). Ability to follow directions precisely (mandatory). Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and testing. Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented environment. Ability to handle extreme environmental temperatures. Willingness and ability to utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Food handling or packaging experience is a plus (understanding food safety is highly beneficial). Analytical skills are a plus. Physical Requirements Exposure to strong odors, including pickle brine, jalapeños, and yellow peppers. Standing in brine for extended periods. Extensive walking. Walking, standing, bending, lifting, carrying, and repetitive hand/arm movements. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Perks and Compensation Pay: $17.25. Shift: 5am to Finish. Competitive pay based on experience. Stable work environment within food manufacturing. Opportunity to grow within quality and food safety operations. #J-18808-Ljbffr