Quality Assurance Technician Salt & Straw - 3.3 Portland, OR Job Details Full-time $23.18 - $24.72 an hour 8 hours ago Benefits Store discount Commuter assistance Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Opportunities for advancement Pet insurance Qualifications Microsoft Word Food production Microsoft Excel Quality records maintenance Defect resolution root cause analysis Quality assurance experience within food and beverage industry Presentation software Laboratory equipment routine checks HACCP Certification Quality control product testing Laboratory document review Food processing plant experience Safety regulations Environmental laboratory testing Microbiology testing Production deviation management Corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) English Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) Certification GMP Mid-level Internal investigations Personal protective equipment (PPE) adherence Laboratory test results documentation Laboratory equipment calibration High school diploma or GED Food allergen management Manufacturing facility experience Food microbiology Collaboration with product development teams Full Job Description Quality Assurance Technician Full-Time | Hourly (Non-Exempt) $23.18 - $24.72 Help us create unbelievable ice cream with quality and care! We're seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to help ensure every batch of Salt & Straw ice cream meets our standards for quality, consistency, and food safety. Working alongside our production and R D teams, you'll inspect ingredients and finished products, perform laboratory testing, investigate concerns, and help keep our processes accurate and reliable. Reporting to the QA Supervisor, you'll divide your time between the QA lab and production floor. This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys hands-on work, asks thoughtful questions, notices the details, and supports teammates with clear communication and care. What Salt & Straw Quality Technicians Do Inspect raw materials, in-process production, and finished ice cream products against company standards and regulatory requirements. Collect samples and perform physical, chemical, and microbiological testing on ingredients and finished products. Monitor and document production controls, including temperature, pH, and sanitation. Conduct environmental swabbing and support investigations, root cause analysis, and follow-up swabbing when positive results occur. Perform ATP and allergen-specific testing before equipment release and help production teammates meet sanitation requirements. Investigate quality concerns with production teams, implement corrective actions, and help prevent recurring issues. Maintain accurate testing records, product specifications, and QA documentation. Review daily production records for completeness, accuracy, and supervisor sign-off. Verify calibration of thermometers, scales, and other equipment. Support internal audits, laboratory procedures, training, and continuous improvement. Help ensure teammates follow Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety programs, and operating and sanitation procedures. Listen thoughtfully to teammates' questions and concerns, provide helpful guidance, and work across teams to resolve issues.

This Role Might Be Right If You:

Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Bring either 2+ years of QA/QC experience in food manufacturing or 4+ years of experience in commercial food preparation, manufacturing, production, or a food warehouse environment. Ice cream or dairy QA/QC experience is preferred. Understand food safety principles and applicable regulations, including HACCP and FSMA. Pay close attention to detail and enjoy investigating problems. Communicate clearly, listen actively, and work comfortably both independently and alongside other teams. Have good counting and math skills and experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Can work efficiently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining quality and safety standards. Are fluent in English. Have flexibility for occasional weekends, holidays, or overtime to support production needs. Experience with laboratory equipment and microbiological testing, a related science degree, HACCP or PCQI certification, and SQF experience are preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Standing, walking, sitting, bending, pushing, and pulling. Frequent lifting up to 35 pounds and often lifting up to 50 pounds. Working in a QA lab and a cool production environment, with occasional time in refrigerators and freezers. Working in production areas that may be loud, wet during cleaning, or include restricted spaces. Wearing hearing protection and other personal protective equipment as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What You'll Get Everyday Pay:

Optional access to earned wages before payday for added financial flexibility. 401(k) with

Company Match:

Eligible after 3 months of service, with automatic enrollment and a 50% company match on deferrals, up to 1% of pay.

Paid Time Off:

Accrues starting at approximately 2 weeks per year, increasing with tenure.

Sick Leave:

Forty hours provided after 30 days of employment plus ongoing accrual based on hours worked.

Paid Holidays:

Twelve paid holidays annually.

Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage:

Available beginning the first of the month following your start date.

Career Development & Tuition Assistance:

Career growth opportunities and up to $1,800/year in education reimbursement for eligible programs.

Team Member Discount:

Enjoy a 30% discount on our handmade ice cream and merchandise.

Additional Voluntary Benefits:

Including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, commuter benefits, and pet insurance. Wage Transparency The anticipated hiring range for this position is $23.18 - 24.72. The broader compensation range of $23.18-$28.33 reflects future earnings growth within the role over time.

Important Notes Food Allergy Warning:

This role involves working in an environment where common food allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, seafood) are present.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Salt & Straw is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and provides equal opportunity to all applicants, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or background.

E-Verify Participation:

We participate in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. Our Values Create the Unbelievable Show Up Generously Act with Thoughtful Curiosity Share Human Kindness Make It Count These values guide everything we do — from the way we scoop, to how we show up for our guests, teammates, and communities.