Quality Technician in Manteno, Illinois at GFF Inc - Plochman Inc

This is an hourly position at Manteno plant, reporting to the Quality Supervisor. QC Technician performs hands-on routine & non-routine analysis of raw materials, in-process & finished products using a variety of testing devices & procedures to maintain product quality and food safety. Conducts GMP compliance inspections to ensure product safety & overall quality specifications are consistently complied.

• Perform analytical tests on raw materials & finished products using standard methods of analysis as per established procedures.
• Conduct various QC tests (Titratable Acidity, Total Salt, Viscosity, Moisture, pH, metal detector etc.) as per protocol, document results & ensure consistent specification compliance.
• Maintain an orderly record of all test results in SafetyChain, the company web-based Food Safety & Quality Systems database.
• Perform equipment calibrations (pH meter, weighing scale, thermometer, viscometer etc.).
• Perform weight monitoring as per SOP, alert production on any non-compliance for prompt adjustment.
• Perform product leak detection tests as per SOP; alert production on any non-compliance for prompt adjustments that need to be completed before proceeding with packing operation.
• Conducts QCP & CCP tests - pH & metal detector as per protocol, documents results & confirms specs compliance using SafetyChain Food Safety & QM systems
• Perform in-coming raw material testing, ensure specs conformance, & document results.
• Verify batch & finished goods compliance with all specifications including labeling, packaging, code dating & other customer specific requirements.
• Conduct sensory tests on finished products, compare with standard & ensure product consistency; promptly reports non-compliance to the QC Supervisor.
• Collect retention samples for future reference; ensure organized storage & periodic disposal following required retention period according to product types.
• Ensure that control samples for batch check reference are replaced as per SOP; keeps control samples organized for efficient collection as needed for reference.
• Collect samples for micro testing as needed, following sampling guidelines & storage.
• Inspect products retained for shelf life to substantiate product defect claim during the process of customer complaints investigation.
• Prepare flavors as needed per pick list required by production.
• Ensure that only approved specs deviation is used in actual production.
• Perform swab test, allergen test as per established procedures, documents result in Safetychain.
• Promptly report to the Supervisor or Manager any non-compliant critical results on batch or finished goods testing or if any corrective action does not resolve issues.
• Put “HOLD” tag on non-conforming products , record in the MRB/SafetyChain; remove tag as soon as management disposition is issued.
• Participate in work areas inspection to detect unsafe conditions.
• Participate in Root Cause analysis & corrective action development involving customer complaint or any nonconformance.
• Assist in product test runs, equipment validation as needed by QC Supervisor or R&D.
• Inspect incoming materials for conformance to company standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED:

• Degree or Technical background in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, etc. or equivalent work experience.
• Competence in math & analytical calculations.
• Good organization skills & detailed reporting skills.
• Good communication & interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience in food manufacturing environment is an advantage.