QA Lab Associate

Department: Quality Assurance / Quality Control
Shift: AM or PM
Schedule: Monday – Thursday | 5:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Schedule: : Monday – Thursday | 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Location: Reserve Plant
Reports To: QC Lab Supervisor / QA & QC Manager
Pay Range: $13.00 – $16.00 per hour

Position Summary

The QA Lab Associate is responsible for performing quality assurance testing, inspections, and audits to ensure products meet established quality, safety, and regulatory standards. This role supports production by identifying deviations, recommending in-process adjustments, and verifying compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and food safety requirements. The QA Lab Associate plays a key role in maintaining product integrity, supporting continuous improvement, and protecting brand quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform quality control testing on in-process samples and finished products to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards.
• Recommend in-process batch adjustments as needed to ensure product conformance.
• Conduct packaging line audits to verify compliance with finished product standards, including packaging components, labeling, date coding, and product integrity.
• Monitor and verify compliance with 21 CFR Part 110 cGMP requirements.
• Collect, evaluate, and document finished product samples to ensure adherence to product standards.
• Verify effective equipment sanitation through swab testing and visual inspection as required.
• Conduct routine and non-routine laboratory analyses using appropriate testing methods, techniques, and equipment.
• Identify defects, malfunctions, or deviations from specifications and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Collaborate with production, QA, and other cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve quality issues.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of testing activities, results, and findings.
• Recommend and support corrective and preventive actions to reduce future quality issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization efforts.
• Follow all safety guidelines and maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory and work area.
• Cross-train with QC Receiving Technician as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify defects or deviations.
• Effective problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient computer skills, including data entry and documentation.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and overtime as necessary to support business needs.
• Ability to perform effectively in both hot and cold plant environments.

Education and Experience

• Previous experience in food production, quality control, or a manufacturing environment preferred.
• On-the-job training provided for specific testing methods and procedures.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for extended periods.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity required to perform inspections, testing, and material handling.
• Work environment may include exposure to production areas, laboratory equipment, varying temperatures, and noise.

Company Requirements

• Adhere to all workplace safety policies and procedures.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Adhere to Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards and practices.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice, consistent with business needs.

Baumer Foods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.