Quality Line Inspector

Quality Line Inspector Protein Research Livermore, CA Job Details Full-time $20 - $25 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Referral program Qualifications Teamwork English High school diploma or GED Continuous improvement Attention to detail Organizational skills Manufacturing Manufacturing company experience FDA regulations Full Job Description Company Overview Protein Research is a dynamic contract manufacturing company serving the nutritional industry nationwide. We specialize in producing powder drinks, pre-mixes, dietary capsules, and more, all while fostering a collaborative and family-oriented work environment. Our modern facility is conveniently located near major transportation routes, and we are committed to supporting our employees with comprehensive benefits. Position Summary The Quality Control (QC) Line Inspector is responsible for verifying and documenting compliance with FDA, SQF, cGMP, HACCP, allergen control, sanitation, and food safety requirements during the manufacture and packaging of food and dietary supplement products. This role serves as an independent quality function on the production floor, ensuring products are produced in accordance with approved procedures, specifications, and regulatory requirements. The QC Line Inspector conducts in-process and finished product inspections, sanitation and GMP audits, environmental monitoring activities, and record reviews to ensure product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance prior to release. Essential Functions and Regulatory Responsibilities Production and In‑Process Verification

• Perform and document production line start‑up, changeover, and in‑process inspections to verify correct materials, components, labels, and packaging are used in accordance with approved specifications and batch records.
• Conduct routine in‑process inspections to verify product integrity, packaging condition, label accuracy, coding/traceability information, and seal quality.
• Execute AQL inspections of in‑process and finished products, packaging, and labeling in accordance with validated sampling plans and acceptance criteria.
• Verify and document metal detector, X‑ray, and check‑weigher performance checks at required frequencies in compliance with HACCP and preventive control requirements.
• Audit batching and weighing operations to ensure correct raw materials, quantities, lot numbers, and formulation controls are followed.
• Review batch production records, packaging records, and line documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with cGMP and SQF documentation controls.
• Identify, document, and immediately report nonconformances, deviations, and out‑of‑specification conditions to Production and Quality Management.
• Place materials or finished goods on Quality Hold when food safety, quality, or regulatory requirements are not met, in accordance with hold and release procedures.
• Verify implementation and effectiveness of immediate corrections and corrective actions prior to product continuation or release. GMP, Personnel Hygiene, and Facility Audits
• Conduct routine GMP and personnel hygiene inspections to verify compliance with FDA and SQF requirements.
• Identify, document, and communicate GMP deficiencies and hygiene violations; escalate unresolved issues per escalation procedures.
• Perform scheduled facility GMP audits and prepare audit reports identifying nonconformances, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Support verification and close‑out of corrective and preventive actions resulting from internal audits and inspections.
• Monitor compliance with approved sanitation and housekeeping practices in production and support areas. Sanitation, Allergen Control, and Environmental Monitoring
• Conduct and document pre‑operational, post‑operational, daily, and periodic sanitation inspections to verify sanitary conditions of equipment and facilities.
• Perform ATP testing during sanitation verification, equipment cleanouts, and product changeovers to verify cleaning effectiveness.
• Conduct allergen and protein residue testing using validated allergen detection methods (e.g., Neogen swabs) as part of allergen control verification.
• Support the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) by collecting and documenting environmental swabs from food‑contact and non‑food‑contact surfaces as required by the sampling plan.
• Review, trend, and communicate sanitation, ATP, allergen, and environmental monitoring results to Quality and Production Management.
• Initiate follow‑up actions when results exceed action or alert limits. Documentation, Trending, and Continuous Improvement
• Compile, maintain, and support quality records in accordance with FDA recordkeeping and SQF documentation requirements.
• Assist in preparing monthly and periodic trend analyses for GMP audits, ATP results, environmental monitoring data, and line inspection findings.
• Identify recurring issues, emerging risks, and systemic failures; communicate findings to the Quality Manager for risk assessment and preventive action.
• Participate in investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA activities to address deviations, audit findings, or product nonconformances.
• Assist in sampling, verification, and quality release of customer labels and packaging materials.
• Support regulatory inspections, SQF audits, customer audits, and internal audits as assigned. Regulatory Compliance and Accountability
• Comply with all company policies, SOPs, food safety plans, and safety requirements.
• Perform assigned duties in compliance with FDA regulations (21 CFR 110/111/117 as applicable), SQF Code requirements, HACCP principles, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Maintain objectivity and independence in quality decision‑making to prevent the release of nonconforming or potentially unsafe product.
• Communicate effectively with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Quality teams to ensure food safety and quality objectives are achieved. Qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED required; college coursework or degree preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in a food or dietary supplement manufacturing environment; quality or food safety experience preferred.
• Knowledge of cGMPs, HACCP, preventive controls, allergen management, sanitation verification, and food safety systems.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately document inspections and observations.
• Ability to interpret procedures, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound quality decisions in a production environment.
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and commitment to food safety. Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, squat, bend, and climb ladders for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to use hands for inspection activities, documentation, and electronic communication.
• Ability to perform basic calculations and measurements as required for inspections and records. Work Environment
• Work performed primarily in a manufacturing and warehouse environment with variable temperatures and moderate to high noise levels.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hairnets, gloves, uniforms, and face coverings.
• Potential exposure to food ingredients, allergens, dust, odors, and small particles.

Pay:

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Experience:

Manufacturing:

1 year (Required)

Language:

English (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Livermore, CA 94551 (Required)

Work Location:

In person