Quality Systems Technologist

Location: Oswego, IL

Shift: Swing (Covers some of 1st and 2nd) 11am-8:30pm (approx)

Pay: $70k-$75k

Job Title: Quality Systems (QS) Technologist

Location: Oswego, IL

Reports to: Supervisor of Quality Systems

Purpose:

The purpose of the QS Technologist is to develop and complete daily quality checks and provide process improvement leadership and problem-solving capabilities to the Plant QS and Operations Teams. Ensure the safety, quality, legality, and authenticity of products, in accordance with regulations and standards for both source and destination locations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify the need for additional or revised quality checks.
• Design, implement, and complete daily quality checks.
• Responsible for the operation of the QS Laboratory.
• Complete analytical and environmental microbiological tests in accordance with regulatory requirements and quality standards to ensure accurate, verifiable results.
• Provide technical support to Operations, R&D, and Customer Service.
• Function as liaison to USDA Inspector.
• Serve as technical back-up for QS Supervisor when absent.
• Process raw material, work-in-process, and finished good samples, generating analytical test results for salt, pH, water activity, viscosity, sensory evaluation, etc.
• Perform daily, monthly, and annual equipment calibration and maintenance activities.
• Develop and deliver plant training sessions related to FSQS.
• Train and certify Quality Systems Technician(s) to complete QS activities, including performing analytical tests to generate accurate results.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, revising procedures, work instructions, and training material to implement changes.
• Compare test results to specifications and determine if the product tested should be released or placed on hold.
• Coordinate data entry into the database for product specification management and product release.
• Maintain proper documentation of all QS records.
• Lead and coordinate the monthly analytical check sample program within the facility.
• Maintain GLP standards in the QS Lab.
• Coordinate retain sample management.
• Maintain QS Lab supplies inventory.
• Provide primary QS role to Pre-Operational Inspection and equipment release.
• Coordinate proper Microbiological sampling of raw material, in-process, and finished product.
• Participate in operational problem-solving to support continuous improvement activities.
• Assist with customer complaint investigations.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Food Safety (FSP and HACCP) program and Quality requirements.
• Manage a portion of the Expense Budget, per QS Supervisor direction.
• Lead sections of FSQS Audit Preparation and directly participate in FSQS Audits.
• Other activities defined by the Plant Quality Supervisor/Manager.
• Review COAs and release incoming raw materials.
• Problem solve issues that could affect the food safety of products and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Make decisions to hold or release raw materials, work-in-process, or finished goods based upon analytical/organoleptic results and experience.
• Determine if the specifications provided by a raw material supplier are adequate/complete for generating nutritional/label information for finished products.
• Investigate Quality and Operational System failures and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Assist with the leadership of QS and Senior QS Technicians, at the QS Supervisor's discretion.
• Ensure all products manufactured meet customer requirements, and are safe, legal, and authentic.

Requirements:

• B.S. Degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or related field, or a different field with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in food manufacturing QS.
• A HS Diploma plus 10 or more years of progressive FSQS experience can replace the need for a college degree.
• Ability to write complex procedures, flow charts, and train on complex subjects.
• Experienced and efficient in the use of computers and software applications. MS Office/MS AX experience is a plus.
• Previous food manufacturing experience is required, preferably in a USDA regulated establishment.
• GFSI Experience is required, ideally BRC.