QA Lab Tech Job in Milwaukee 53214, Wisconsin US
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under supervision, the QA Tech Lab Tech performs analytic testing and process audit on product, packaging and packaged goods, to ensure compliance with established quality standards, food safety programs and customer specifications, and documents and communicates deviations and takes appropriate corrective action. All Company policies, procedures and guidelines as well as actions that support team work, safety, efficiency, good housekeeping and GMP adherence are to be followed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Follow assigned QA duties and audit checklists. Approximately 75% of time will be in the lab conducting quality tests; 25% will be spent conducting audits and ensuring safe, clean and high quality conditions are adhered to in production.
- Timely and accurately monitor and test work-in-process, packaging materials, finished and packaged product, retention samples and finished inventory against specifications.
- Perform sensory evaluations and chemically and physically test factors following protocol.
- Document and update test results.
- Report any deviations to the appropriate department lead and/or management.
- Initiate, and/or monitor controls and/or corrective actions based on standard procedures.
- Timely and accurately audit plant processes to ensure product quality and food safety standards comply with company requirements. Document and communicate deviations following standard procedures.
- Provide technical resources to production teams in areas of product quality and food safety during on-going production, as well as in non-compliance situations.
- Initiate and maintain good communication/rapport with all internal and external customers, other departments, vendors and kosher or government representative to ensure program compliance.
- Represent Quality Assurance in cross-functional groups as assigned.
- Operate and maintain laboratory and equipment in accordance with good laboratory practices.
- Inventory and maintain laboratory supply inventory.
- Maintain and aid documentation for microbiological and water testing, HACCP, allergen clean-up, etc.
- Assist with customer complaint investigations.
- May accompany pest control personnel or Rabbinical Supervisor on walk-around inspections.
- May assist in accounting for, and when requested, coordinating the activities of temporary employees and their compliance with all policies and processes.
- Arrive punctually on scheduled work days and be at the designated work area by start of shift to assure continuous work flow.
- Learn and be proficient in all department functions. Provide back-up for other positions as needed.
- Due to the variety of work and need to address the manufacturing and sanitation schedules, the employee will need to alter work hours, sometimes on short notice, to meet business needs.
EQUIPMENT USED:
Laboratory balances, timers, Auto Titrator, moisture and gas analyzers etc., as well as computer terminal and keyboard, two-way radio, and packaging, pallet, label and taping equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelors degree in the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, etc.) required.
• Must possess effective communication and listening skills. Be able to clearly communicate problems and malfunctions in the English language to co-workers, management and vendors.
• Able to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Able to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Able to write reports and to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of coworkers, managers and vendors.
Through prior education and / or hands on experience have knowledge, aptitude and understanding of :
• Production and processing concepts of inputs, outputs, raw materials, waste, quality control, costs and techniques for maximizing the manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Basic knowledge and proficiency with standard laboratory machines and testing equipment.
• Computers and processing equipment, control log management. Familiar with MS Office Programs
• Basic knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) desirable.
• Possess intermediate math skills and formula knowledge. Able to calculate and apply all units of measure, using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, proportions and percentages.
• Able to troubleshoot and resolve non-compliant situations through interaction with manufacturing team members and management and to solve diverse practical and procedural problems and deal with a variety of variables within well-defined standards by choosing from workable alternatives.
• Able to work independently and/or within a team in a self directed, organized manner, competently and accurately completing work in a cost and time effective manner.
• Bilingual English / Spanish is a plus.