Quality Assurance & R&D Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Position Description :

This position is to help ensure that all products meet legal and company specifications for food safety and standard of identity before leaving the premises. This is accomplished by testing ingredients, in-process samples and finished product per Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products protocols and supporting R&D activities by assistant in product testing, date collections and process improvement initiatives.

The position follows standard work methods and practices safe work habits to ensure production is as efficient and safe as possible.

Key Duties & Responsibilities :

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs a variety of chemical and physical analyses on incoming, in-process and finished product which include but are not limited to : Moisture, Total Solids, Fat tests (Gerber Method), Salt, pH, residual oxygen, leak detector, and titratable acidity;
• Enters analytical data into excel;
• Supports the environmental monitoring program by collecting and testing surface, air, drain, hygiene, pathogen swabs (Zone 1-4), and water samples. Enters and trends data in database;
• Performs monthly scale verifications and quarterly thermometer verifications;
• Maintains a product retains library and evaluates product at average age and end of code for quality, micro, and sensory conformance. Enters data, trends data, and reports information to department manager;
• Communicates non-conformances clearly to production and provides guidance on possible corrective actions;
• Maintains a working relationship with the production department by collecting, testing, and communicating deviations for ATP swabs and Pre-Op Inspections as needed;
• Execute R&D product and packaging trials, ensuring accurate setup, monitoring, and completion;
• Collect, document, and analyze data from R&D initiatives (e.g., plastic bagger, smoker, tray sealer, conventional vs. organic trials, salt and acidification verification, molding adaptations);
• Perform laboratory testing and analysis to support R&D objectives;
• Organize and execute standard sensory testing and enter and interpret data;
• Draft and coordinate Management of Change documentation and schedules;
• Co-develop and maintain a comprehensive R&D calendar, including tastings and trial timelines
• Demonstrates knowledge of the site’s HACCP / Food Safety Plan, pre-requisite programs and GMPs;
• Maintains regular, predictable attendance;
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Job Knowledge

Quality of work

Job Safety

Teamwork & Leadership

Inclusion & Communication

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a lab, office and production environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and works routinely with chemicals.

Exposure to hot or cold climate frequently;

Exposure to chemical frequently;

Exposure to noise and vibration frequently;

Exposure to wet and humid conditions frequently.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties on the job, the physical demands are :

Stand – frequently;

Stoop / Bend – frequently;

Crawl – occasionally;

Squat – frequently;

Climb Stairs or ladders – frequently;

Reach – chest level, above or below – frequently;

Push - 100 lbs. occasionally (cart);

Pull - 100 lbs. occasionally (cart);

Lift / carry- 25 - 40 lbs. occasionally.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work vary depending upon shift but are Monday through Friday. Occasional off shift and weekend work is required.

Travel

Required to travel between Rogue Creamery facilities (Dairy Farm, Cold Storage and Production locations).

Required Education and Experience

Preferred Education and Experience

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None.

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Eligible to work in USA.

Food Safety and Product Quality

This position is responsible for supporting the food safety management system and for communicating food safety issues to the Quality Department.

AAP / EEO Statement

Rogue Creamery provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.