Find & Apply For Quality Inspector / Technician Jobs in Watsonville, California

Quality Assurance Technician S Martinelli and Company - 3.1 Watsonville, CA Job Details Full-time $27.74 - $32.89 an hour 5 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance 401(k) Paid sick time Qualifications Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Quality assurance experience within food and beverage industry Food processing plant experience Computer literacy Basic math Manufacturing facility experience Food microbiology Microbiological analysis Quality control experience within food and beverage industry Chemical testing Manufacturing company experience Full Job Description QA Technician Job Summary Reporting to the Quality Assurance Supervisor, the Quality Assurance Technician is the laboratory and analytical specialist for the Quality Assurance department. The position performs the microbiological, chemical and physical testing on which product decisions depend, maintains the integrity of the laboratory, its instruments and its reference tools, and ensures that test data and quality records are recorded and controlled to the standard required by the Company's quality management system. The Quality Assurance Technician is expected to follow and champion Quality Assurance processes, procedures and Quality Culture. The position is a key member of Martinelli's Quality & Food Safety system. This role also serves as the trained backup to the Quality Assurance Inspector, providing line and in-process coverage when required. Job Functions Laboratory Testing and Analysis Perform microbiological testing — including plating, incubation and result interpretation — on raw materials, in-process product, finished goods and environmental samples. Support analytical and physical testing, including Brix, pH, turbidity (NTU), titratable acidity and dissolved CO₂, on samples submitted through the production and inspection cycle. Test, inspect and compile data on incoming fruit, apple blend, ingredients, packaging supplies and their applications, and finished goods, at the frequencies defined in the applicable control plan. Conduct sensory and organoleptic evaluation where the applicable specification requires it. Perform laboratory testing in support of production trials and accurately document and report results and observations to Quality Assurance leadership for evaluation. Perform all testing and analysis using established methods, , procedures and best practices maintained by Quality Assurance leadership. Communicate testing method concerns, procedural deviations and recommendations for method modifications to Quality Assurance leadership. Report out-of-specification and atypical results immediately to Quality Assurance leadership, and place affected product on QA hold where the controlled procedure requires it. Laboratory Equipment, Calibration and Reference Tools Perform manual calibration and calibration verification of reference tools and laboratory instruments before and during use, to confirm they remain accurate for the test or measurement being taken and complete the associated records. Support the annual equipment calibration program coordinated by Quality Assurance leadership, including preparing instruments, arranging access and completing the required records. Maintain laboratory instruments and equipment in good working order. Report instrument failure, drift or out-of-tolerance conditions promptly, and quarantine affected equipment and any results at risk. Maintain the laboratory in a clean, organized and audit-ready condition, including reagent handling, media preparation and expiry control. Monitor reagent, media and consumable levels and submit replenishment requests to Quality Assurance leadership, which maintains department inventory and issues purchase orders. Records, Document Control and Verification Accurately document laboratory test results, observations, and related data in designated electronic and controlled recordkeeping systems in accordance with established procedures. Maintain laboratory document control by utilizing, approved procedures, specifications, and forms, and supporting document updates through established change management processes. Promote and uphold Quality Assurance policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure compliance with quality and food safety standards. Conduct quality assurance audits and reviews to verify that required quality checks are completed accurately, consistently, and within established timelines across all shifts. Collect, inspect, and maintain retain and shelf-life samples in accordance with established sampling programs, specifications, and retention requirements. Review and verify laboratory records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with product release requirements. Compile, analyze, and trend laboratory and quality data to support investigations, corrective actions, continuous improvement initiatives, and quality performance reporting. Support the finished product release process by ensuring laboratory records and test results are accurate, current, and readily available for evaluation by Quality Assurance leadership. Ensure all records are maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements, company policies, and quality management system standards Food Safety, Quality Systems and Compliance Work in conformance with the company's documented quality management system, and complete records to the standard required by that system and by applicable local, state and federal food laws and regulations. Monitor and uphold adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) and prerequisite program requirements within the laboratory and on the production floor. Provide laboratory records, results and samples in support of traceability exercises and mock recalls. Participate in internal, customer, regulatory and third-party audits as the subject matter expert for laboratory operations. Support investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive action for laboratory-related nonconformances. Alert the Operations team to any deviation from product specification. Ensure compliance with the Company's Quality Management System (QMS), food safety programs, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations by accurately completing required documentation and records. Monitor and promote Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP requirements, and prerequisite programs within laboratory and production environments. Maintain and provide laboratory records, testing results, and product samples to support traceability exercises, mock recalls, and regulatory requirements. Assist in the investigation of quality and food safety issues by contributing to root cause analyses and the development and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs). Identify, document, and promptly communicate product specification deviations and potential food safety or quality concerns to Operations and Quality Assurance leadership. Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, food safety compliance, and laboratory effectiveness. Maintain audit-ready laboratory practices and ensure compliance with established quality and food safety standards. Coverage, Backup and Development Support the cross-training of Quality Assurance Inspectors developing into Quality Assurance Technician work. Provide backup support for the Quality Assurance Inspector by performing line inspections and in-process quality evaluations as needed. Maintain proficiency in laboratory testing methods, procedures, and equipment through ongoing training and demonstrated competency. Work assigned schedules, including swing and night shifts during peak production periods (approximately September through May), to ensure continuous quality and laboratory coverage. Participate in continuous improvement efforts and maintain compliance with departmental training and competency requirements. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support quality, food safety, and operational objectives. Authority Every Quality Assurance Technician holds the authority — and the obligation — to place product on QA hold where a controlled procedure requires it, or where a food safety or quality risk is suspected. This authority is not contingent on prior approval. Disposition of held product, and release of finished product to shippable status, are authorized by Quality Assurance leadership. Suspend testing activities and repeat analyses when testing conditions, methods, or equipment status do not meet established requirements or compromise result accuracy. Support the integrity of product quality decisions by ensuring only compliant and accurately tested products advance through the release process. Job Qualifications Associate degree or higher in food science, biology, chemistry or a related science discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience. Strong science and math skills required. Two to five years working in a food or beverage production facility in a quality control or quality assurance capacity, utilizing basic lab equipment and processes including microbiology and chemistry testing. Demonstrated ability to follow written test methods precisely and to record data accurately at the time of performance. Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with an ERP or electronic quality record system (SAP, Redzone or equivalent) preferred. English proficiency, oral and written. Attention to detail and organization. Ability to work night shift hours during production season (approximately September through May). Be able to safely negotiate a production and warehouse environment, sit and/or stand for long periods of time, and periodically lift up to 50 pounds. Preferred Skills (Not Required) Bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish. HACCP certification, or experience working within a GFSI-certified facility (SQF, BRCGS or

FSSC 22000

). Familiarity with

ISO 9001

quality management system requirements. Company Standard Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with Company staff and others contacted in the course of work. Ability to assume responsibility and exercise good judgment in making decisions within the scope of authority of the position. Ability to readily adapt to changing priorities and take direction from more than one staff member. Ability to think and work effectively under pressure and accurately complete tasks within established times. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, to prioritize tasks, meet multiple deadlines, and ensure that work is accomplished in the time frame required. Ability to be highly organized and provide careful attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to exercise individual initiative and discretion in confidential matters and to respect confidential matters. Physical Demands and Working Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to pass background checks, and drug screen. All Employees Are Expected To Comply with all Company safety requirements. Adhere to all Company policies and procedures Benefits Upon meeting eligibility requirements, the Company offers the following: health insurance coverage, LTD, 401(k) profit share contributions, paid sick leave, paid vacation leave, and eight (8) paid holidays per year. Eligible employees may also make 401(k) elective deferral contributions and may elect a co-pay plan for health insurance coverage for eligible dependents. Disclaimer This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and other duties as assigned. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement S. Martinelli & Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

Pay range:

$27.74/hr. to $32.89/hr .