Quality Assurance Tester I

Job title:- Lab QA Tester
Location:- Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Duration:- 10 Months
Shift: Rotating days (M, T, Fri, Sat) next week (Wed, Thurs, Sun)
Shift times: 5:45am-6:15pm

Job Description:

Function Specific Activities
The following is a list of top Function-Specific activities performed in the job.

• Perform laboratory tests (e.g., microbiological, calibration, chemical, sensory) in order to determine that raw materials, packaging and manufactured products meet the Company's quality standards and specifications.
• Prepare samples and sampling plan for ingredients, intermediate or finished products, or other materials in order to perform analyses (e.g., chemical, physical, sensory, microbiological).
• Process incoming or outgoing equipment (e.g., verify external calibration paperwork is correct, ship instruments for external calibrations).
• Perform chemical analyses using instrumental methods in order to determine the composition of samples.
• Evaluate ingredients, products or packaging materials via visual inspection or by measuring weight, density, stress, dimensions, torque, strength, etc. in order to determine physical properties of samples and compliance with standards.
• Prepare standards or standard curves to perform quantitative analyses.
• Interpret data from routine and non-routine analyses in order to validate that laboratory equipment meets specifications.
• Provide the framework and tools for ensuring the quality and integrity of products.
• Perform statistical process control on required plant equipment and processes in order to monitor quality of finished products, packages and ingredients.
• Prepare and maintain (e.g., calibrate, ensure proper performance, verify condition) all equipment used in the Quality process prior to use in order to ensure correct performance. Audit equipment records to ensure external and internal verification and calibrations are properly maintained.
• Report process data to supervisor to assure quality of material released for distribution.
• Perform data transactions for instrumentation by using facility information systems to ensure traceability.
• Support new products and/or business innovations by performing product trial runs and protocol studies as needed.
• Perform line checks to ensure product and packaging meet specifications.
• Operate all lab testing instruments and create, maintain and refine related documentation.
• Document all operational parameters.
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices, Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Training of new associates.
• Ability to cross train in different responsibilities of the QA department.
• Control chemical inventory through FIFO
• Clean and sanitize equipment, or any other areas as needed.
• Any other duties as assigned to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of products, processes and work environment.

Job Profile:

Technical Skills
The following is a list of the top Technical skills needed for the job.

• Quality Assurance - Knowledge and application of quality cost analysis, inspection, corrective action planning, customer and consumer satisfaction tracking and internal monitoring to detect and correct non-conforming information, materials or processes. Knowledge of the principles systems and costs associated with product quality. Knowledge of the methods and techniques used during quality monitoring and auditing. Ability to use software and statistical techniques to aid in quality control.
• Clean In Place - Knowledge of the Company's Clean-in-Place (CIP) policies and procedures and the ability to perform the associated tasks (e.g., physically entering tanks, heavy lifting, handling large hoses and hot water.)
• Food Safety Regulations - Knowledge of the company, local, national and international food safety regulatory requirements that apply to company locations or processes and the actions required to keep the Company in compliance with these regulations.
• Food/Flavour Chemistry - Basic knowledge of the organic chemistry of ingredients and flavor compounds that are used in Company products.
• Good Manufacturing Practices - Knowledge of the basic elements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a manufacturing environment and the ability to apply them.
• Lab Safety - Knowledge of government lab safety regulations, including hazardous materials, OSHA and chemical hygiene policies. Includes knowledge of procedures for safe handling of chemicals and glassware, use of personal protective equipment and adhering to Company safety rules. Knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices (e.g., housekeeping, handling chemicals and glassware, preparing standards and reagents proper measuring techniques).
• Laboratory Testing - Knowledge of ingredients, packaging and equipment laboratory test procedures, measurement devices, preparing analytical standards, reporting methods and Company performance criteria. Ability to analyze test results in order to assist in making accurate product acceptance decisions.
• Laboratory/Analytical Instrumentation - Knowledge of instrument theory, mechanical construction and operation, maintenance requirements. Includes the ability to operate, modify and repair laboratory instruments.
• Calibration - Ability to measure instrument variation and apply corrections in order to ensure accuracy and precision of an instrument, equipment or measurement tool.
• Sensory Analysis - Knowledge and application of sensory analysis techniques (e.g., taste, odor, appearance) and their use in understanding important flavour characteristics in Company products. Includes the ability to apply the techniques to evaluate beverage quality.
• Documentation Management - Knowledge of the principles of documentation management to define and manage changes to the intellectual property, project agreements, supplier agreements, The Client system engineering documentation, capital asses, equipment authorization and/or packaging.
• Sampling - Knowledge and application of statistical process control techniques for developing and maintaining sampling programs.
• Statistical Process Control - Knowledge and application of statistical tools and techniques (e.g., X-bar, histograms, CPK calculations and range charting) used to understand, monitor and control work processes.
• Technical Specifications - Knowledge of and ability to apply standards and specifications for ingredients, packaging, beverage production, and concentrate manufacturing.
• Transportation Regulations - Knowledge of the Company, local, national and international transportation and hazardous materials regulatory requirements that apply to Company locations or processes and the actions required to keep the company in compliance with these regulations.
• Troubleshooting - Ability to identify and resolve process, system and/or mechanical failures (e.g., manufacturing equipment, software tools, network, order flags, parts return).
• Water Filtration/Treatment - Knowledge of the basic chemistry of water and filtration or other means of removing contaminants of impurities. Includes knowledge of water standards (e.g., NSF, EPA) and their functionality. Ability to select and integrate water filtration equipment to achieve a cost-effective solution to removing water impurities that affect beverage taste or quality.
• Audit Objectivity - Ability to remain independent and objective when performing audits. This includes adhering to the facts and standards and not being unduly influenced by operating management.

Work is performed in all areas of a production facility. Work is of non-repetitive nature and requires exposures to temperature extremes, moderate noise levels, moving equipment, wetness, chemicals, ingredients, fumes, dust, and vibrations.
Requirements

Education - Bachelor's degree related to the science fields preferred.
Related Work Experience - at least 3 years related experience, preferred
Ability to understand, record, and communicate system problems and solutions.
Demonstrate good attendance.
Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
Ability to work extended hours, weekends and holidays.
Move and lift material weighing 50 pounds to distances of 10 feet or more, floor to waist.
Ability to push and pull force of 80lbs.
Ability to squat and bend over at the waist.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time in temperature extremes on a daily basis up to 12 hours.

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