Quality Assurance Technician

Description

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician supports the QA Manager in maintaining product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance across all stages of production at Arden’s Garden, including High Pressure Processing (HPP). This is a hands-on, plant-floor role responsible for routine testing, documentation, and verification activities that ensure finished products meet company specifications and food safety standards.

This position is an excellent entry point for someone looking to build a career in food safety and quality within a fast-paced manufacturing environment!

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Quality & Product Testing

• Collect and test in-process and finished product samples for key parameters including Brix, pH, titratable acidity, color, and sensory attributes.
• Conduct HPP cycle verification, confirming pressure, hold time, and temperature parameters meet validated specifications before product release.
• Perform fill weight/volume checks, cap torque and seal integrity checks, and package inspections.
• Record results accurately and flag any out-of-specification (OOS) results to the QA Manager promptly.
  
  

Food Safety & Compliance

• Support the facility's HACCP and food safety plan through monitoring and record-keeping at Critical Control Points (CCPs) and preventive controls.
• Assist with environmental monitoring (swabbing) and sanitation verification (ATP, pre-operational inspections).
• Verify adherence to GMPs on the production floor, including hygiene, allergen control, and foreign material controls.
• Support kosher compliance by verifying approved ingredients, segregation requirements, and documentation as directed.
• Participate in, and work towards leading regular HACCP/Food Safety meetings
  
  

Documentation & Traceability

• Complete and maintain QA records, logs, and batch documentation legibly and accurately.
• Assist with lot traceability, label and code date verification, and hold/release procedures.
• Help maintain organized records in preparation for audits (SQF/GFSI, kosher, customer, and regulatory).
  
  

General Support

• Assist the QA Manager with calibration of lab and production instruments.
• Support investigations of customer complaints, nonconformances, and corrective actions.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the QA lab and testing areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the QA Manager.
  
  

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read, write, and accurately record data in English.
• Basic math skills (measurements, percentages, unit conversions).
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, or SQF/GFSI standards.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and food safety.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment (cold/wet areas, extended standing, lifting up to 50 lbs).
• Reliable attendance and willingness to work flexible shifts, including early mornings, weekends, or overtime as production requires.
  
  

Preferred

• Associate's degree or coursework in food science, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
• Prior experience in food/beverage manufacturing or a laboratory setting.
• HACCP/PCQI certification.
• Exposure to HPP or other thermal/non-thermal processing.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
  
  

Work Environment & Physical DemandsWork is performed in a food manufacturing facility with exposure to varying temperatures (including refrigerated areas), noise, moisture, and moving equipment. The role requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting throughout the shift. Personal protective equipment and adherence to GMP dress code (hairnets, hearing protection, etc.) are required at all times.