QA Technician
Full‑Time | 1st shift
Location: Ephrata, PA
$16.50/hr
Job Summary
The QA Technician supports the Quality Assurance Department in ensuring all products meet established quality, food safety, and regulatory standards. This role is responsible for inspections, testing, documentation, and verification activities in accordance with company policies, HACCP programs, and applicable government regulations. The QA Technician works closely with Production, Sanitation, and Maintenance teams to maintain a safe, compliant, and high‑quality manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities listed below represent the general nature and level of work performed. Additional duties may be assigned as business needs require.
- Comply with all GMP, OSHA, food safety, and plant safety requirements.
- Review, verify, and maintain CCP and HACCP documentation during production.
- Perform pre‑operational inspections in collaboration with Sanitation and Maintenance.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, legality, and quality policies across assigned areas.
- Conduct inspections of raw materials, in‑process product, and finished goods.
- Perform microbiological testing, including pathogen testing, environmental swabbing, ATP swabs, and allergen swabs.
- Complete in‑house laboratory testing such as pH, viscosity, shear press, and other quality assays.
- Collect and prepare samples for external laboratory testing and ensure proper product hold procedures.
- Monitor and maintain accurate chemical concentrations (PPM) in sanitation systems, hand‑washing stations, and related equipment.
- Maintain and document sanitation station functionality, including soap and sanitizer levels.
- Maintain thermometer calibration stations and ensure accurate documentation.
- Monitor yields, code dating, labeling accuracy, and product identification.
- Conduct receiving and shipping inspections for ingredients, packaging, and finished goods.
- Maintain accurate and complete QA records to support the HACCP program.
- Place questionable product on hold and escalate issues to the Quality Manager or plant management.
- Notify management of unsatisfactory conditions and stop production when necessary to protect food safety or quality.
- Train employees on SOPs, GMPs, food safety, and quality‑related procedures.
- Serve as a QA resource and lead within assigned production areas.
- Support traceability activities, including daily data traces.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Quality Manager.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- High School Diploma or GED required; Associate Degree or equivalent experience in Food Science or a related field preferred.
- 1–3 years of experience in food manufacturing and/or quality assurance.
- HACCP certification preferred.
- Experience with microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and CCP verification preferred.
- Working knowledge of food formulas, production equipment, and plant operations.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Solid math skills with strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements (optional – include if applicable)
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to temperature variations, food allergens, and sanitation chemicals.
- Standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to applicable weight limits throughout shift.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends or holidays, as needed.
