QA Technologist

Joining King’s Hawaiian makes you part of our `ohana (family). We are a family-owned business for over seventy years, respecting our roots while thinking about our future as we continue to grow and care for our customers and the communities we serve. Our `ohana members build an environment of inclusivity as they freely collaborate, pursue learning through curiosity, and explore innovation as critical thinkers. Beyond that, we are also passionate about supporting the long-term health and well-being of our employees and their families. If you’re excited to rise with our team, come and join our `ohana!

The QA Technologist is to serve as senior QA technical resource, who reports directly to the plant QA Manager and dotted line to the QA Supervisor. The critical technical functions of the position are to assist the QA Management to execute projects, develop, implement, maintain, provide training on and ensure effectiveness of plant food safety and quality functions.

The individual must have a food safety and quality conscious attitude with emphasis towards a teamwork approach to accomplish goals and assigned duties. The individual will work independently, be able to multitask, detail oriented, and have good problem solving and decision-making skills.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES (but are not limited to the following)

Perform routine raw material and finished product QA/C functions as assigned by QA Management, which include but are not limited to the following:

• Process audit
• Laboratory QA/C testing and equipment calibration
• Product sensory evaluation
• Execute non-conformance product protocol (i.e., Hold)
• Assure compliance with food safety and quality standards throughout all operations by conducting process / system audits, developing and implementing corrective actions.
• Assist SQF Practitioner to ensure SQF certification compliance by performing validation audit, updating and developing food safety protocols.
• Collect, review, interprets, verify and analyze process QA/C data to identify process improvement opportunities. 
• Participate in departmental and cross-functional continuous improvement projects as assigned by QA Manager.
• Assist QA Management to determine root causes for food safety and quality related issues, develop and implement corrective action plans.
• Assist QA Management to generate and to issue food safety and quality reports.
• Serve as senior technical resources for QA Technicians and other Operations personnel.
• Train new QA Technicians as required by QA Management.
• Perform other relevant duties assigned by QA Management.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Functional and Technical Skills

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• BS Degree in Food Science / Technology or other related technical degrees is preferred.
• 2 - 3 year of QA/C experience in food manufacturing or related fields.
• Strong working knowledge of common food QA/C laboratory methods.
• Strong working knowledge HACCP and pre-requisite programs. 
• Demonstrated working knowledge of current SQF (Level 1 or 2) or BRC certification requirements.
• Hands-on GMP / Food Safety / Quality System audit experience.
• Familiar with current food regulatory requirements and standards such as those of cGMP.
• Demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Able to effectively communicate verbally as well as in writing; demonstrate ability to write effective technical procedures and reports; bilingual in English / Spanish is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in team based and fast paced environment.
• Demonstrated effective project management and/or execution skills.
• Demonstrated intermediate to advanced computer skills:  MS Excel / Word / Outlook.
• Able and willing to work flexible schedule.

Desired Personal Traits

• Team player with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to lead and follow.
• Critical and independent thinker.
• Flexible and willing to handle an ever-changing work environment.
• “Can-do” attitude.
• Strong organizational skills; results oriented; tenacious; creative.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand (10%), walk (60%), sit (30%), etc.   The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles from flour.  The employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, cold, and heat.  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Compensation- $26.68/hr

King's Hawaiian is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our ohana.