QA Engineer I

SUMMARY:  The mission of the Quality Engineer I will be to support the operation in monitoring the production quality and compliance of Faribault Foods by providing expertise on quality related problems. This includes preforming audits and communicating trend analysis on quality results, while supporting the plant and corporate goals of quality, safety, productivity, and customer service.  Also work to assist the Quality Manager and associated plant with Quality Process Improvement and Compliance throughout the facility and corporate functions as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform analysis according to the control plans and HACCP procedures and record the information on appropriate forms.
• Validate that product and process capabilities are met for present and proposed product changes in accordance with FDA & USDA requirements
• Perform all bench work analysis according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and Standard Methods.
• Initiate root cause analysis and corrective action efforts when plant quality objectives are not met.
• Participate in updating, developing and implementing appropriate SOP’s for the business units.
• Participate in developing and improving tracking systems, trending methods, etc to provide training and awareness programs to the plant for quality requirements
• Certify manufacturing processes using quality assurance tools
• Lead continuous improvement projects as assigned
• Compile and analyze data to assist in quality investigations related to can making and finished product
• Drive adequacy and conformance of processes and procedures through the internal audit process and the corrective action process
• Participate in Plant Quality Audits on equipment, material, product and procedures.
• Show exemplary behaviors by being a role model for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s)
• Participate in appropriate operator training and business unit quality performance assessment
• Assist in Verification and Validation actions to support Food Safety and Food Quality Plans.
• Be proactive when incidents arise: analyze facts and results during investigations (context, why, who, what, etc) Take additional actions if necessary (pre-reading, increase checks, hold pallets, etc)
• Communicate detailed summary of incident and actions taken to departments affected and concerns (i.e. production, distribution, scheduling, etc)
• Present information clearly and concisely
• Maintain high morale and quality focus among plant personnel, and support a positive food safety culture
• Maintain proper safety conditions of equipment and company assets.
• Comply with all standard safety practices, safety guidelines, and all company guidelines and policies
• Effectively read, write, speak and comprehend English.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree with related experience and/or training.  Must be able to understand and follow directions.  Must be able to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.  Must be able to demonstrate good attendance.  Manual and finger dexterity.  Must be able to work extended hours and/or overtime as required.  Must be able to participate in job development training, such as equipment cross-training and team development training.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to effectively read, write, speak and comprehend English.  Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as percentages, graphics, ratios, and proportions.  Also have basic understanding of statistics, such as averages, standard deviations, variances and frequencies.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Must have good conceptual skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and taste or smell.  The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

The employee occasionally lifts and / or moves up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distant vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in an office setting in a fast-paced manufacturing and production environment.  When performing jobs on the plant production floor, work requires possible exposure to all temperature changes, high noise levels, working around moving equipment, electrical hazards, tanks, heights, fumes, chemicals, vibrations, dust, etc.  Working hours must be flexible with the ability to work on all shifts and extended hours as required.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.