Quality Assurance Specialist
Location: Vernon, CA
Pay Range: $25hr - $33hr
1st Shift: Monday - Friday, 7:000am - 4:30pm
Job Description:
The purpose of the Food Safety & Quality/Regulatory Specialist is to oversee the daily activities of all Quality at the Source Functions and ensure that day-to-day shop floor tasks and FSQR/SQF program management requirements are being met. This role requires interaction and coordination with all departments at all levels to support, maintain, and promote a strong culture of food safety and quality.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily workflows for all Quality at the Source functions and provide strong positive leadership.
- Collaborate with Quality Supervisor, Quality Engineer, QC Supervisor, and Operations Leadership to resolve internal incidents, conduct investigations, root cause analysis, and escalate issues as needed.
- Own quality inspections per established sampling plans and standards on incoming raw materials, work in progress (WIP), and finished goods.
- Oversee verification and validation activities of the FSQA Programs (e.g., PRPs-management of change, traceability, sanitation, foreign object prevention, supplier management) execution as assigned.
- Perform and approve first article inspections based on product specifications.
- Conduct organic residual testing on materials using Gas Chromatography Systems (GC-MS & GC-FID).
- Authorize “Product Release” for incoming raw materials, WIP, and finished goods upon meeting product specifications, as well as on Business Central WMS when applicable.
- Conduct monthly GMP inspections and document reports, scoring, and trends for leadership.
- Audit, verify, and escalate manufacturing and quality records review or any issues that may adversely impact food safety or quality.
- Assist with the deployment and improvement of the Quality Management Platform (Safety Chain).
- Place all products that do not conform to product specifications on hold and escalate as needed.
- Create and approve Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for customers as needed.
- Organize and track samples by physically storing completed tests and logging data into the computer.
- Create and/or revise work instructions and SOPs based on new equipment, customer, and production needs.
- Create new product specifications and other required documentation as part of the product development and launch process.
- Conduct and document capability analysis and report findings to senior leaders to improve processes and controls.
- Participate in development and new product launch projects by performing the appropriate tests.
- Partner with and support manufacturing in achieving quality metrics and goals.
- Provide feedback to immediate supervisor on continuous improvement opportunities.
- Monitor and ensure lab equipment is working properly.
- Ensure all quality documents are filled out and submitted in a timely manner.
- Train new hires (One-on-One) and provide group training as needed.
- Support FSQA Coordinator with regulatory and third-party audits, taking the lead as required.
- Ensure compliance with food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements.
- Adhere to applicable prerequisite programs (PRP) per HACCP requirements.
- Enforce food safety regulations and quality standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of stable work experience in a related manufacturing setting. Previous experience working in a quality lab is preferred.
- Proficiency in English reading and writing, as well as in math. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
- Strong communication skills; ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
- Experience in developing and sustaining a strong quality management system.
- Experience in analyzing data results such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Statistical Quality Control (SQC).
- Experience with root cause analysis.
- Quick learner, highly organized, attention to detail, and dependability.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to identify and resolve food safety and quality issues.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Self-motivated.
- Interpersonal and teamwork-oriented.
- Technical skills to read and interpret technical information.
- Good communication skills to compile clear and concise evaluation reports.
- Ability to analyze problems and determine possible solutions.
- Conduct training to educate workers about improved quality processes.
- Team player with high standards of integrity, ethics, and behavior.
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Willingness and ability to learn new systems and skills.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $33.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work setting:
Work Location: In person