Quality Assurance Tester I

Northampton, MA, United States

QA Tester 1

Location: Northampton, MA

shift time: 4 crew schedule working 5:45am-6:15pm Monday, Tuesday. Off Wednesday Thursday. Work Friday-Sunday. Next week the opposite days on and off.

?ÂPerform 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.

?ÂPrepare samples and sampling plan for ingredients, intermediate or finished products, or other materials in order to perform analyses (e.g., chemical, physical, sensory, microbiological).

?ÂProcess incoming or outgoing equipment (e.g., verify external calibration paperwork is correct, ship instruments for external calibrations).

?ÂPerform chemical analyses using instrumental methods in order to determine the composition of samples.

?ÂEvaluate 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.

?ÂPrepare standards or standard curves to perform quantitative analyses.

?ÂInterpret data from routine and non-routine analyses in order to validate that laboratory equipment meets specifications.

?ÂProvide the framework and tools for ensuring the quality and integrity of products.

?ÂPerform statistical process control on required plant equipment and processes in order to monitor quality of finished products, packages and ingredients.

?ÂPrepare 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.

?ÂReport process data to supervisor to assure quality of material released for distribution.

?ÂPerform data transactions for instrumentation by using facility information systems to ensure traceability.

?ÂSupport new products and/or business innovations by performing product trial runs and protocol studies as needed.

?ÂPerform line checks to ensure product and packaging meet specifications.

?ÂOperate all lab testing instruments and create, maintain and refine related documentation.

?ÂDocument all operational parameters.

?ÂComply with Good Manufacturing Practices, Safety Policies and Procedures.

?ÂTraining of new associates.

?ÂAbility to cross train in different responsibilities of the QA department.

?ÂControl chemical inventory through FIFO

?ÂClean and sanitize equipment, or any other areas as needed.

?ÂAny 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.

?ÂQuality 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.

?ÂClean 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.)

?ÂFood 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.

?ÂFood/Flavor Chemistry ?? Basic knowledge of the organic chemistry of ingredients and flavor compounds that are used in Company products.

?ÂGood Manufacturing Practices ?? Knowledge of the basic elements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a manufacturing environment and the ability to apply them.

?ÂLab 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).

?ÂLaboratory 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.

?ÂLaboratory/Analytical Instrumentation ?? Knowledge of instrument theory, mechanical construction and operation, maintenance requirements. Includes the ability to operate, modify and repair laboratory instruments.

?ÂCalibration - Ability to measure instrument variation and apply corrections in order to ensure accuracy and precision of an instrument, equipment or measurement tool.

?ÂSensory Analysis ?? Knowledge and application of sensory analysis techniques (e.g., taste, odor, appearance) and their use in understanding important flavor characteristics in Company products. Includes the ability to apply the techniques to evaluate beverage quality.

?ÂDocumentation Management ?? Knowledge of the principles of documentation management to define and manage changes to the intellectual property, project agreements, supplier agreements, The Coca-Cola system engineering documentation, capital asses, equipment authorization and/or packaging.

?ÂSampling ?? Knowledge and application of statistical process control techniques for developing and maintaining sampling programs.

?ÂStatistical 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.

?ÂTechnical Specifications ?? Knowledge of and ability to apply standards and specifications for ingredients, packaging, beverage production, and concentrate manufacturing.

?ÂTransportation 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.

?ÂTroubleshooting ?? Ability to identify and resolve process, system and/or mechanical failures (e.g., manufacturing equipment, software tools, network, order flags, parts return).

?ÂWater 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.

?ÂAudit 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.

Job Location and Work Conditions

?ÂWork 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

?ÂEducation ?? Bachelor??s degree related to the science fields preferred.

?ÂRelated Work Experience ?? at least 3 years related experience, preferred

?ÂAbility to understand, record, and communicate system problems and solutions.

?ÂDemonstrate good attendance.

?ÂAbility to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.

?ÂAbility to work extended hours, weekends and holidays.

?ÂMove and lift material weighing 50 pounds to distances of 10 feet or more, floor to waist.

?ÂAbility to push and pull force of 80lbs.

?ÂAbility to squat and bend over at the waist.

?ÂAbility to stand and walk for extended periods of time in temperature extremes on a daily basis up to 12 hours.