Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance Technician (QA Tech) plays a crucial role in ensuring that products or services meet established quality standards and food safety requirements throughout the manufacturing process. The QA Tech is responsible for inspecting and testing products at various stages of production, identifying issues, documenting findings, and proposing improvements. The QA Tech acts as a quality control gatekeeper, maintaining compliance with company protocols and regulatory guidelines.

Essential Functions: The Quality Assurance Technician (QA Tech) is responsible for inspecting and testing products at various stages of production to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory guidelines. This includes sampling product, checking item identities and quantities, identifying defects, performing organoleptic evaluations, performing laboratory testing, and maintaining accurate records of inspections and test data. The QA Tech collaborates with production, and quality teams to address non-conformance issues and propose process improvements. They ensure all procedures align with company protocols and adhere to safety standards. Acting as a quality control gatekeeper, the QA Tech supports continuous improvement initiatives and ensures that all products meet established food safety requirements and quality specifications before reaching customers.

Responsibilities/Skills/Abilities:

• Utilizes independent judgment to review and approve materials, perform inspections, identify root causes of issues and implement corrective and preventive actions when necessary
• Has authority to make decisions on correcting issues as they arise, conducting sanitation and hygiene inspections, approving raw materials, work in progress or finished batches (when applicable), and placing items on HOLD
• Conduct routine quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods using established testing protocols and equipment.
• Coordinate product sampling and sample submission to a 3rd party laboratory.
• Document and report any deviations from established quality standards to production and management teams.
• Participate in the development and implementation of quality improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Assist in the investigation and resolution of customer complaints related to product quality and safety.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure that product specifications and quality standards are met consistently.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment and ensure that laboratory equipment is properly maintained and calibrated.
• Perform swabbing including, but not limited to, ATP swabs, environmental monitoring swabs, allergen swabs.
• Perform organoleptic testing.
• The 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.

Denotes food safety responsibilities

Work Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of two years' experience in a quality assurance role in a food manufacturing environment required.
• Working knowledge of food safety regulations and industry standards including HACCP, BRC, and cGMPs.
• Ability to perform laboratory tests and measurements and use laboratory equipment effectively and efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify and communicate quality issues effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with ERP systems and quality management software preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Education/Knowledge Requirements:
• High School Diploma or GED (minimum requirement)
• Food Safety Certifications such as PCQI, HACCP, or Food Defense

Reports To: Quality Supervisor

Supervisory responsibilities: None

Backup: Quality Supervisor and Quality Specialist

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the ability to stand for long periods of time, lift up to 50 lbs., and perform repetitive tasks. The successful candidate must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, gloves, ear plugs, and safety glasses due to seasoning/ingredient safety.

Work environment/Hours:

Employee will work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment that may involve noise exposure, standing for extended periods, walking, lifting, and repetitive motions.

Full-time Day shift with exact times and days of the week to vary. May involve very early hours. 40 hours with occasional overtime.

Additional eligibility qualifications-additional requirements such as certifications, industry-specific experience and the experience working with certain equipment.

Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent required, associate's or bachelor's degree in foods science, chemistry, or a related field a plus.

Work Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of two years' experience in a quality assurance role in a food manufacturing environment required.
• Working knowledge of food safety regulations and industry standards including HACCP, BRC, and cGMPs.
• Ability to perform laboratory tests and measurements and use laboratory equipment effectively and efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify and communicate quality issues effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with ERP systems and quality management software preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks effectively.

About the Company

The Food Source International Inc. is a technical ingredient company with a pulse on what is next. Founded in 1997, we prioritize quality, clean, and safe ingredients and seasonings that provide unique solutions to technical challenges that food processors face. Our passion for improving taste, wholesomeness, and health in food is at our core. We have increased our customer base by hiring creative, forward thinking team members who are extremely customer centric. Our customers are our business. Want to learn more? Check out our website at:

Seeking candidates that live our core values.

•(T)rust- Act honestly and deliver reliable, thoughtful experiences that build confidence and loyalty.

•(A)daptability- Embrace change and grow continuously by balancing priorities with intention and grace.

•(S)upport- Collaborate and connect to foster creativity, unity, and meaningful relationships.

•(T)eamwork- Work together seamlessly to uplift, value, and align in pursuit of shared excellence.

•(E)nergy- Anticipate needs and inspire with passion, enthusiasm, and memorable experiences.

EEO: We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by the law.