QA Technician at Winland Foods in NJ Fair Lawn

Summary: Winland Foods is committed to quality and safety in food production. As a QA Technician, you will ensure product compliance with safety regulations and quality standards through inspections, documentation, and collaboration with production teams. Responsibilities: - Inspect and monitor products throughout the production process, checking for quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance - Conduct and oversee tasks like sensory testing, label verification, and analytical testing to ensure product attributes are correct - Manage specialized quality programs and documentation, using technical skills in systems like SAP and other quality management software - Lead facility inspections, conduct environmental swabbing, and assist with a variety of quality checks and audits - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues, investigate customer complaints, and support continuous improvement efforts - Perform daily inspections, environmental swabbing, and product inspections - Verify compliance with established standards - Understand and follow plant policies for placing materials on hold and collecting retention samples - Assist with inventory control for approved suppliers following FIFO practices - Help with customer sample requests and microbiological testing for shipping requirements - Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies - Maintain cleanliness and sanitation - Participate in internal auditing - Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals - Prepare accurate written documentation - Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP - Ensure precision in recording and reporting test results - Support plant trials, process improvements, and cost savings projects - Participate in 5S efforts Required Qualifications: - High School Diploma or GED required - Minimum 1 year of work experience in manufacturing or food production - 18+ years of age - Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and advise on minor adjustments to formulas or processes - Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve quality irregularities - Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills - Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations - Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures - Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed - Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement - Positive attitude, dependable, self-motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed - Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment - Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement - Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time - Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping - Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently - Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision - Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas - Employee must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership - Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed - Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned - Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management Preferred Qualifications: - Degree in Biology, Chemistry or Food Science are preferred - Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues - Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook Required Skills: Food Safety, Safe Quality Food (SQF), Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), SAP, Microbiological Testing, Inventory Management, Environmental Swabbing, Sensory Testing, Label Verification, Analytical Testing, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Team-oriented mindset Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, Critical Illness