Quality Assurance (QA) Operator – Food Manufacturing
Pay: $19/hr
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM*
Schedule subject to change; must be flexible for weekends or extended shifts as required by business needs.

Position Summary

The QA Operator is responsible for performing quality inspections and monitoring various production areas to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, and security guidelines. This role involves verifying that all products meet established quality and safety standards through testing, observation, and documentation.

Essential Functions

Milk Receiving

• Complete proper paperwork and verify records.
  

• Conduct sampling, temperature and butter fat checks.
  

• Perform acidity & pH testing, and organoleptic evaluation.

Ingredient/Kettle Check & Release

• Verify records, check temperatures, complete salt, brix, pH, and viscosity testing.
  

• Use RS View kettle release system.
  

• Conduct organoleptic evaluations.

Filler Operations

• Manage paperwork and verify temperatures.
  

• Test metal detector and x-ray systems.
  

• Perform seal, code, and weight checks.
  

• Collect and manage retain samples.

Packing Operations

• Oversee paperwork and temperature verifications.
  

• Check codes, labeling, and packaging.
  

• Conduct organoleptic evaluations.

Microbiology & Laboratory Testing

• Collect samples (including water and listeria).
  

• Plate and incubate micro samples (milk, eggs, shelf life, environmental).

Pre-Operation Checking

• Perform paperwork and verification checks.
  

• Conduct ATP/allergen swabbing and magnet/cooler checks.
  

• Check sanitizer concentration.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Effective communicator, able to collaborate with associates, leads, supervisors, and production management.
  

• Strong attention to detail and a team-oriented attitude.
  

• Flexible and willing to work extended or changing shifts.
  

• Comfortable with science-based material and tasks.
  

• Working knowledge of high school-level math, especially algebra.

Decision-Making & Leadership

• Responsible for determining if products or items should be placed on hold.
  

• Use judgment to evaluate if in-process product meets specifications and can be released or pumped.
  

• Instruct employees on GMP and food safety violations as identified.

Equipment Used

• Various laboratory tools and equipment (for testing and analysis).
  

• Kettle enabling system.

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Stand for majority of shift.
  

• Work in hot and cold temperatures throughout entire shift.
  

• Typical production environment noise for entire shift.
  

• Climb up to 8 feet daily.

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