Quality Field Technician

Job Description

The Quality Field Technician is responsible for completing assigned quality-related duties to ensure customer, team member, and vendor satisfaction. This position involves providing on-shift coordination, support, and focus for all quality-related issues on the manufacturing production floor, while learning, establishing, and maintaining basic quality systems for manufacturing high-quality products. The technician will perform analytical testing and determine product conformance to specifications in real-time, aligned with Good Manufacturing Practices. This role supports the manufacture of extended shelf life (ESL) dairy-related products.

Responsibilities

• Achieve assigned goals in production, safety, quality, performance, and cost.
• Notify others of mechanical malfunctions to increase productivity and equipment capabilities.
• Comply with GMP’s, SOP’s, corporate and/or plant policies, rules, and regulations.
• Provide assistance and support to all areas related to quality as assigned.
• Ensure proper focus on all quality checks performed by technicians; provide follow-up training as needed.
• Perform finished pallet audits, end-of-shift product reviews, or other quality checks to ensure standards are met.
• Track packaging/processing Key Quality Attributes (KQA’s), identify problem areas and trends.
• Communicate effectively between shifts and other departments, execute issue resolution, and escalate issues timely.
• Communicate the disposition of product and assist Operations with compliance to standards.
• Ensure inventory accuracy of product in Quality Hold/retest status through routine cycle counts and reconciliations.
• Audit Operations’ paperwork for timely completion and accuracy.
• Participate in Internal Quality Audit process to improve plant quality systems and GMP compliance.
• Act as a resource to Operations for auditing, updating, and documenting compliance with the Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Conduct titration testing, verify chemical concentrations, and verify CIP dilution samples.
• Troubleshoot as needed.
• Perform finished product weight verifications and volumetric checks.
• Complete sensory analysis on finished products as required.
• Conduct investigative research on products or materials as assigned.
• Conduct ATP cleaning verification and line release process per shift.
• Conduct Environmental Swabbing as requested by QA Management.
• Set up documentation and complete sample shipments using proper shipping methods.
• Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned.
• Comply with all legal requirements concerning dairy processing and safety on assigned shift.
• Report safety concerns promptly and take corrective actions to ensure a safe environment.
• Report food safety problems and initiate action to support SQF by maintaining food safety and quality.
• Ensure work areas are sanitary and strictly adhere to sanitation practices.

Essential Skills

• Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as adding, counting, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.
• Basic statistics and statistical process control with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to respond appropriately to employee, vendor, and customer inquiries.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in English.
• Knowledge of the company's mission, purpose, goals, and your role in achieving them.
• Ability to operate quality and facility equipment.
• Completion of all company training requirements.
• Ability to interpret company documents and literature and UPC/code information.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows and software architecture.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of GED or High School Diploma required; Associates degree in chemistry, biology, food science, or ag-tech science preferred.
• 6 months – 2 years of manufacturing/machine operation experience in dairy/food industry preferred.
• Experience with SQF or similar quality systems preferred.

Work Environment

The work environment is focused on maintaining high standards of quality within the manufacturing production floor. The technician will work in a safe manner and adhere strictly to sanitation practices. Compliance with GMP dress code standards is required, and the environment demands a business-and position-appropriate attire at all times. The technician will work scheduled shifts and must be punctual and well-groomed, reporting to work in a condition suitable for performing job functions. The work involves using various quality and facility equipment and technologies.