Quality Assurance Technician

Who We Are
At JonnyPops, our team is empowered to make an impact at work every day from producing high-quality, innovative frozen novelties to spreading kindness one pop at a time. We look for bright and ambitious individuals who seek out challenges, thrive in fast-paced and high-growth environments, align with our core values, and get fulfilment from seeing their work transform the world around them.   

Based in Elk River, MN, JonnyPops develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets frozen novelties. Retailers from coast to coast including Target, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Cub, along with thousands of regional and local grocers make JonnyPops part of their assortment.   

Growing from a dorm room start-up in 2012, JonnyPop’ mission is to make "A Better Pop for a Better World!" JonnyPops leads the frozen novelties space in innovation and uses simple ingredients with no artificial dyes. Every pop stick includes a kind deed, spreading kindness every day.  

Joining JonnyPops is an exciting opportunity to be part of high-growth brand and have a direct impact on the company’s success. Join our team and help us make “A Better Pop, for a Better World!”  

Job Summary
The Quality Assurance Technician monitors and verifies food safety and quality checkpoints on the production floor. This role performs in-process and finished product inspections, supports sanitation and GMP verification, and ensures that all documentation and controls are completed accurately and in real time.

Essential Food Safety and Quality Responsibilities. 
 

• Review and verify Redzone quality checks throughout production shifts to ensure data accuracy and timely completion by operators.
• Monitor and verify Critical Control Points (CCPs) ensuring proper documentation and immediate response to any deviations.
• Perform pre-op and post-op sanitation inspections, verifying cleanliness and proper sanitation sign-offs before production startup.
• Conduct routine GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) audits and facility walks to monitor employee hygiene, equipment cleanliness, and compliance with plant standards.
• Support production teams in identifying and correcting quality or food safety issues in real time on the floor.
• Assist in training line staff on food safety practices, CCP monitoring, and proper documentation procedures.
• Perform on-the-floor product attribute checks (appearance, weight, coding, seal integrity) and document results to ensure conformance with product specifications.
• Participate in internal audits and walkthroughs by identifying quality and food safety issues, documenting findings, and supporting follow-up on corrective actions.
• Document all QA checks, observations, and findings accurately, escalating non-conformances as required.
• Collaborate with sanitation, maintenance, and production leads to ensure cross-functional alignment on quality and food safety priorities.
• Training and mentoring production plant members

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience working in quality assurance or a food manufacturing environment preferred.
• Basic understanding of quality assurance principles, food safety practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures and protocols accurately.
• Solid problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize and report deviations or issues.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to work closely with production, sanitation, and QA teams.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Familiarity with food safety standards and regulations such as GMPs, FSMA, SQF, or GFSI preferred.
• Basic computer skills and comfort using digital QA systems or documentation platforms.

Additional Requirements

• PCQI Certification is a plus (we will support certification if needed)
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus. 
• Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.   
• Alignment to our mission to spread kindness – JonnyPops is a kindness-based company
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

Physical Demands and Work Environment  
Physical demands and work environment 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 required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear, and reach with hands or arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 lbs. Works comfortably in a variable temperature environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in regular office conditions, a laboratory environment, production, inside a cooler or in a warehouse. 

Expected Pay: $23-$28/hr

Shift: 5:30 pm - 5:30 am (4 on 3, 3 on 4 schedule)

JonnyPops offers a competitive benefits package which includes the following:

• Medical/Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• HSA
• FSA
• DCFSA
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• FTO/PTO
• EAP Programs
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• Sick & Safe Leave
• 401k
• Company Sponsored Meal Plan

* Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses and/or commissions.