Quality Assurance Technician / QA Specialist

About the role

The Quality Assurance Technician supports food safety and product quality across the Oak Park facility. Reporting to the Director of Food Safety & Quality, the role works closely with production teams to ensure that GFSI standards and internal programs are consistently applied.

Key responsibilities

• Perform pre‑operational and operational inspections on the plant floor.
• Oversee product safety, regulatory compliance, and quality systems, including BRCGS, HACCP, EMP, allergen control, supplier approval, and test‑and‑hold programs.
• Identify non‑compliant products, tag with QC HOLD, and report findings.
• Coordinate product sampling, microbiological testing, allergen swabbing, and environmental sampling; track results and communicate updates.
• Review production schedules, run sheets, and batching paperwork for accuracy and allergen‑related changeovers.
• Conduct internal, pre‑Kosher, and pre‑audit inspections; monitor corrective actions.
• Participate in root‑cause analysis, CAPA processes, and validation activities.
• Assist in developing new product specifications, procedures, and QA documentation.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong work ethic, effective communication, and detail‑oriented problem‑solving.

Required skills

• HACCP
• GMP
• FDA regulations
• BRCGS
• EMP (Environmental Monitoring Program)
• Allergen swabbing
• Microbiological testing
• Root cause analysis
• CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action)