Job Title: Quality Field Technician

Job Description

The Quality Field Technician supports on-shift quality coordination on the manufacturing production floor to ensure that all products meet established specifications and customer expectations. This role focuses on real-time analytical testing, quality issue resolution, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices while helping to establish and maintain basic quality systems for extended shelf life (ESL) dairy-related products. The Quality Field Technician works closely with Operations to monitor key quality attributes, support problem-solving, and maintain compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Achieve assigned goals related to production, safety, quality, performance, and cost.
• Monitor the production floor and provide on-shift coordination, support, and focus for all quality-related issues.
• Notify appropriate personnel of mechanical malfunctions to increase productivity and equipment capabilities, and identify opportunities where operators can assist in resolving concerns.
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and all plant policies, rules, and regulations.
• Provide assistance and support to all areas related to quality as assigned by the supervisor or lead.
• Ensure technicians maintain proper focus on all quality checks and provide follow-up training when needed.
• Perform finished pallet audits, end-of-shift product reviews, and other quality checks to verify that quality standards are met.
• Track packaging and processing Key Quality Attributes (KQAs), identify problem areas and trends, and respond to production operators’ quality questions and concerns.
• Communicate effectively between shifts and with other departments, execute issue resolution, and escalate issues in a timely manner.
• Communicate product disposition decisions and assist Operations with compliance to quality and specification standards.
• Maintain accurate inventory of product in Quality Hold or retest status by performing routine cycle counts and reconciliations, and assist with cycle counts for reprocess and waste product.
• Audit Operations paperwork for required departments to ensure timely completion and accuracy.
• Participate in the Internal Quality Audit process to improve plant quality systems and GMP compliance.
• Serve as a resource to Operations for auditing, updating, and documenting compliance with the Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Conduct titration testing, verify chemical concentrations, and verify CIP (Clean-in-Place) dilution samples as needed.
• Perform troubleshooting related to quality tests, results, or equipment as needed.
• Perform finished product weight verifications and volumetric checks to confirm packaging accuracy.
• Complete sensory analysis on finished products as required to assess product quality.
• Conduct investigative research on products or materials as assigned by quality leadership.
• Conduct ATP cleaning verification and line release processes per shift requirements.
• Perform Environmental Swabbing as requested by Quality Assurance management.
• Set up documentation and prepare sample shipments using proper shipping methods.
• Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned by the supervisor or lead.
• Remain compliant with all legal requirements related to dairy processing and safety on the assigned shift and report any concerns to the supervisor or lead.
• Work in a safe manner, promptly report safety concerns, and take corrective actions as necessary to maintain a safe environment.
• Report food safety problems, initiate appropriate actions, and support SQF by maintaining food safety and food quality standards.
• Ensure work areas remain sanitary and strictly adhere to sanitation practices.
• Report to work at scheduled times and communicate tardiness or absences to the supervisor or manager prior to the occurrence.
• Report to work in a condition fit to perform job duties.
• Maintain a well-groomed appearance and dress in position-appropriate attire, including compliance with GMP dress code standards.
• Comply with performance criteria and standards of conduct as outlined in company policies and procedures.

Essential Skills

• Ability to apply basic to complex mathematical concepts, including addition, counting, subtraction, multiplication, division, and knowledge of weights and measures, to perform job tasks accurately.
• Basic understanding of statistics and statistical process control, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to understand and respond appropriately to b