Quality Assurance Technician (1st Shift 5am-1:30pm)

Join our amazing family of professionals at Sigma! We believe in truly taking care of our associates to ensure they feel empowered to be their best selves at work. You are not just applying for a job, this is the start of a new career with a fast-growing, innovative global food organization. Ready for your next opportunity? Come join our table!

POSITION SUMMARY

The QA Technician ensures GMPs, SSOPs, and other SOPs are implemented correctly during production and cleaning operations. They are responsible for overseeing the quality of raw materials, in-process products, and finished products and reporting quality indicators to the QA lab Lead and/or QA Manager. Los Altos Food Products LLC has implemented an SQF System where the Safety and Quality program is described to be followed by the organization to ensure that everyone in the organization meets the specifications. The program has SOP, sampling procedures, etc. The QA Technician must follow these procedures during their jobs for sampling, analysis, and results; it is imperative to communicate to the Lab Lead and/or QA Manager any specification unmet or out of specification to correct the deviation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conduct thorough quality assessments of incoming materials, in process samples and finished products to ensure compliance with established specifications. Examples of materials to be assessed include raw milk (for antibiotics), raw cream, and pasteurized milk (for Phosphatase). Critical quality parameters (CQPs) to be monitored for pasteurized cream include phosphatase levels, texture, flavor, and color.
• Collect samples of in-process and finished products at appropriate intervals throughout the production day for laboratory analysis and retention purposes.
• Perform environmental sampling as per the Environmental Monitoring Program, including ATP and sponge swab testing and air plates at the required frequency
• Collect samples for the hand swabbing program.
• Perform calibration of thermometers, pipettors, and other lab equipment, including scales and Foss Instruments, as needed.
• Continuously monitor lab results and update databases to ensure they remain current and relevant.
• Notify the lab lead and QA manager immediately of any nonconformities or instances where specifications are not met.
• Prepare materials necessary for daily production, such as Potassium sorbate, Natamycin solution, etc.
• Help maintain the cleanliness of the lab and the lab lab refrigerator.
• Will be cross-trained to serve as QC tech backup when needed.
• Other duties as assigned by QA lab Lead and/or QA Manager.

COMPENSATION

·$22.43 per hour, depending on geography, skills, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1+ years of experience in a quality control laboratory environment
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and procedures
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual-English and Spanish

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA’s)

• MATHEMATICS ABILITY: Able to perform very simple algebra.
• Communication Skills: Good communication skills with co-workers and immediate supervisor.
• REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply logical thinking.

BENEFITS

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, 10 days paid time off, paid parental leave, paid holidays, & state mandated sick time, if applicable