Quality Assurance Technician - Decatur, IL

Quality Assurance Technician - Decatur, IL
This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary:
The Quality Assurance Technician is an integral member of the Quality, Food Safety & Assurance Team, reporting directly to the Quality & Food Safety (QFS) Manager. This role is responsible for ensuring product quality, food safety, and compliance with all regulatory and company standards. The Quality Assurance Technician provides support to production teams, assists in quality decision-making, investigates non-conforming products, and maintains oversight during process deviations to ensure consistent, safe, and high-quality operations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Routinely conduct Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Food Safety Plan / HACCP, and SFSI (SQF) compliance inspections to ensure adherence to company and regulatory standards.
• Perform verification checks and assessments related to process function, sanitation, procedural practices, personnel performance, and product quality.
• Communicate findings and recommend or oversee corrective actions in collaboration with facility management.  
• Collect and submit samples for periodic testing and perform analytical testing as required.
• Lead for-cause investigations, identifying root causes and implementing preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
• Provide guidance on sanitation methods and chemical usage.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections of equipment following maintenance or sanitation activities to verify readiness.
• Verify calibration and preventive maintenance of food safety related equipment and systems.
• Support facility management in evaluating process deviations, determining related impact, and developing appropriate responses.
• Assist in the creating and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions related to food safety.
• Develop and deliver engaging and effective training, evaluate effectiveness, and continuously improve training materials and methods.
• Provide backup coverage for the QFS Manager, QC Technicians, and Food Safety Team Leader as needed or requested.
• Serve as Audit Leader backup when the QFS Manager is unavailable and participate in audits and meetings as required.
• Provide general QFS support as needed to maintain operational excellence.
• Obtain SQF Coordinator and Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certifications within one year of hire.
• Take on additional responsibilities or projects as assigned to support business objectives and personal professional growth.

All team members are cross-trained to provide departmental coverage and support as business needs arise. This approach promotes team flexibility, operational efficiency, and individual career development.

Required Skills:

• Strong commitment to food safety, product quality, and customer satisfaction in all aspects of work.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Physically able to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 pounds as part of regular job duties.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field preferred and/or a minimum of three (3) years of prior experience in Quality Control or Quality Assurance within a food manufacturing environment.
• Prior laboratory experience and working knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and instrumentation strongly preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Employees in this position may be exposed to various chemical substances and food allergens as part of normal job duties and the manufacturing environment.
• Work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), heights, and dusty conditions within the facility.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be used as required to ensure employee safety and compliance with company and regulatory standards.