QA Technician - 1st shift

SUMMARY: Report directly to the Food Safety and Quality Supervisor. The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for the quality, food safety and authenticity of the product. The role of this technician is to ensure adherence to good manufacturing practices (GMP), BRC standards and product quality standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform daily product audits and sample preparation as needed
• Conduct Manufacturing plant documentation verifications
• Assist with documentation failures and ensure that mechanical personnel are notified of any equipment failures
• Monitor production processes to ensure safety and quality checks are being performed as per company policies.
• Visually inspect product for quality and consistency
• Support BRC compliance
• Set up, adjust, and operate laboratory equipment and instruments to perform product and raw material testing
• Calibrate and prepare instruments including thermometers Template/MadgeTech Data Logger setup
• Assist with shelf life and PNCR investigations
• Maintain QA Lab supply inventory
• Calibrate test equipment
• Drive factory GMP Standards
• Act as back up for formula and scheduling generation
• Manage utensil inventory and assignment
• The above duties and responsibilities are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not all-inclusive
• Analysis of incoming raw material and publishing results
• Special projects as assigned

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Previous team lead experience preferred
• Ability to learn quickly
• Strong organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as commissions, ratios, proportions, and percentages
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• High attention to detail with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with purchasing and operations teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 including Teams and Outlook

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) plus two to four years of related* experience or combination of equivalent education and experience
• (*2–4 years of experience in logistics, receiving, warehouse operations, or inventory management)
• Experience working in a food manufacturing facility or regulated environment is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work is performed in both an office setting and within a manufacturing facility and is regularly exposed to refrigerated (35-40 degrees) and wet conditions in the manufacturing plant.  The noise level in the plant is usually loud.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.  The employee is required to stand, walk, and balance for extended periods, climb stairs regularly and also occasionally sit at a desk/workstation.

The employee must regularly lift and/ or move up to 25 pounds

Company Overview 

Kayem Foods is a family owned and operated craft meat business that has been making New England’s favorite franks, sausages, and prepared meats in Chelsea, Mass. since its founding by Kaz Monkiewicz back in 1909. Well over 100 years later, we are the largest meat processor in New England and still pushing our craft to the next level – tweaking recipes to have the perfect flavors and extending our expertise into delicious new areas and collaborations – such as Kayem’s Night Shift Brewing Small Batch Beer Brats. One thing will never change, it’s our “Old World” food philosophy: to only make food we would share with our own friends and family. We offer the opportunity for professional growth and to make a difference in a flexible and collaborative environment.

Kayem offers competitive wages and benefits to full time employees. Kayem benefits include:

• Healthcare Insurance, and Dental (pre-tax and effective first day of employment)
• Vision (pre-tax and effective the 1st day of the month after start of employment)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan (Health Care Reimbursement and Dependent Care (effective 1st day of employment)
  Reimbursement)
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (effective 1st day of employment and no cost to employee)
• Safe Harbor 401(K) Retirement Plan (with employer matching contributions of up to 3% plus 50% of your contributions up to 5%)
• Vacation Pay, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Education Reimbursement (eligible after 6 months of continuous employment and up to $3,000 for career development)
• Opt-Out Medical Rebate, Doctor on Demand, and Wellness Initiatives for those who are eligible!

Pay Range

The base pay range for this role is $22.70 - 30.34 USD/Hourly 

The listed salary range represents Kayem Foods’ good faith estimate for this position and represents the minimum and maximum for new hire pay ranges.

Ranges are reviewed on a regular basis. An employee’s rate of pay within the range is determined by their qualifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated performance over time. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued wage growth. This position is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package and is eligible for an annual wage review.  Kayem Foods complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws.