Quality Controller

Position Summary

At Perla Foods, the Quality Controller (QC) team member plays a critical role in maintaining the highest standards of product quality and food safety. The QC professional performs inspections, collects and analyzes data, and reports findings while ensuring compliance with all safety protocols and regulatory standards. This role supports continuous improvement and helps ensure that all products meet company and customer quality expectations.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Perform inspections and quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections of equipment and production lines to verify functionality and cleanliness.
• Collect product samples for testing, shelf-life evaluation, and documentation.
• Verify metal detector settings, “best by” dates, and Julian codes on all products.
• Monitor and record temperatures in production and storage areas.
• Inspect finished goods pallets for accuracy, product pattern, and quality compliance.
• Document production processes, test results, and quality findings.
• Analyze data and report deviations or quality issues to relevant teams.
• Identify root causes of quality issues and contribute to corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of QC instruments (e.g., luminometers, thermometers, gas analyzers, pH meters).
• Follow GMPs, food safety policies, and PPE requirements, and ensure others comply with standards.
• Train new and current employees on quality and food safety procedures.
• Work collaboratively with production teams to resolve issues promptly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a production environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing, regulated production, or food service environments.
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (ISO, SQF, BRC) or SPC tools.
• Experience performing or interpreting microbiological, chemical, or sensory testing.
• Experience using QC instruments, automated inspection systems, or production reporting software.
• Experience conducting staff training or mentoring on quality and food safety.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone).
• Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish) are a plus.
• Associate degree or certification in Food Science, Quality Assurance, or related field is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a food manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, moisture, food products, and temperature variations.
• Work may take place in hot, cold, or refrigerated areas, including environments from 40°F to 50°F.
• Employees must follow all plant sanitation, hygiene, and safety policies, including wearing appropriate clothing and PPE.
• Schedule may change based on production needs, including evenings, weekends, or overtime.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and Walking: Prolonged periods on the production floor.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. safely.
• Manual Dexterity: Use hands and fingers to operate QC instruments, tools, and equipment.
• Bending, Stooping, and Reaching: To access materials, inspect equipment, and perform tasks.
• Vision and Hearing: Adequate for monitoring machinery, inspections, and safety.
• Endurance: Stamina for repetitive tasks, fast-paced work, and long shifts as needed.

Food Safety Responsibilities

All employees are responsible for supporting the company’s food safety and quality initiatives by following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), sanitation procedures, and company food safety policies. Employees must report any food safety or product quality concerns immediately to management.

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18