Quality Technician - 1st shift (803)

About Us:

Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family-owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin.

As a third-generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.

At Carl Buddig and Company, we foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation. We strive to create an environment that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective goals.

Our dedication extends beyond our business operations. We actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships. We aim to make a positive impact and give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.

Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation, and where our passion for quality meat products is matched by our commitment to our people and communities.

Position Summary:

The QA Lab Tech will effectively perform chemical and microbiological sampling and analysis of product and processing areas as prescribed by QA policy and procedures, and maintain proper documentation, to assure adherence to specifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop new approaches to solve problems identified during quality assurance activities.
• Host product cuttings for sensory analysis of finished products.
• Review and verify daily HACCP/SSOP paperwork for Montgomery facility.
• Aid the Quality Assurance Manager and Lab Supervisor with customer complaint investigations as needed.
• Review data obtained during all quality assurance activities to ensure consistency with company policies and procedures.
• Keep management abreast of significant issues or developments identified during quality assurance activities and actions being taken to improve the situation.
• Perform in-plant process inspections and internal audits as required by established plant auditing programs.
• Perform environmental swabbing activities as scheduled and assigned for plant program compliance.\
• Establish an active role in plant quality improvement within the organization.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Requires a college degree in microbiology, chemistry, or other appropriate field and 2- 3 years of applicable plant quality assurance/control laboratory experience; or a high school diploma and a minimum of 1-3 years of applicable plant quality assurance/control laboratory experience, will be accepted. 
• Requires strong experience in chemical and microbiological methods used in meat and poultry processing quality assurance/control. Experience and knowledge of USDA regulations regarding food manufacturing including HACCP, GMPs, Allergens, SSOP’s, Recall/Withdrawal, a plus.  
• Previous experience with plant audits/inspections including third party, city, state and federal is required.

Working Conditions: 

• Must be able to work in temperatures of 40 degrees or less.
• Must be able to stand for 8-9 hours per day.
• Must be able to stand, bend, stoop, squat as needed for responsibilities and other miscellaneous duties.
• Must be able to inspect product using sensory abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Ability to write reports and procedures.  
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Must have working knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs.
• Must be able to work 40 or more hours per week.
• Must be able to work mandatory overtime if necessary.
• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s).
  
   

Pay rate for this position is $18.50 per hour.

Benefits for this role include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA, HSA, 401(k) Plan with Company Match, Vacation & PTO, and Tuition Reimbursement.  There is also a potential for a discretionary bonus this bonus is based on personal & company performance and is not a guaranteed bonus plan.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions Statement 

Carl Buddig and Company does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, performance evaluations, discipline, or termination. All employment decisions are made by trained HR professionals and company leaders to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Salary : $19