QA Technician

Headquartered at the north end of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Culinova is a diversified prepared foods company specializing in manufacturing, distributing, selling, and marketing freshly prepared foods. We pack our own brands, which are distributed in more than 8,000 stores nationwide with the largest retailers and supermarket chains in the country, as well as private label and co-packed products for grocers, restaurants, CPG start-ups, and established brands.We are looking for a committed, hardworking, full-time individual to grow and be an integral member of the team. We are very team-oriented and work well in this family environment. Come be a part of our rapidly growing team!

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESThe Quality Assurance (QA) Technician supports daily food safety and quality programs within the meat processing facility. This role ensures that all products meet regulatory, customer, and internal standards through monitoring, verification, documentation, and communication across production operations.•

• Monitors and inspect production and packaging processes to ensure that all products meet internal and external quality standards and regulations. Temperatures inside the production floor can be from 33 - 35 degrees Fahrenheit.• Conduct CCP/PC monitoring and verification (cooking, chilling), in-process quality checks (metal detection/X-ray, weights, seals, labeling, lot coding, UPC, packaging integrity, sensory attributes, net weights, MAP gas ratio, traceability), temperature control records and communicate any deviation to the Supervisor.
• Maintain calibration logs for thermometers, verification logs for scales.• Verify sanitation effectiveness through pre-operational inspections prior to plant start-up along with ATP swabs, environmental monitoring as per the program.
• Perform Operational inspections on employee compliance with GMPs, hygiene, and food handling requirements, and structural conditions.
• Perform daily verification of HACCP pre-requisite programs including sanitation, allergen control, chemical control, and GMPs.
• Support USDA/FSIS regulatory compliance, including direct observation of employee practices and facility conditions.
• Assist with USDA NRs response data collection and implement corrective/preventive actions.
• Participate in root cause investigations and help implement corrective actions.
• Participate in internal audits, GMP audits, food safety walk-throughs, and regulatory visits.
• Communicate any deviations, spec issues, or food safety concerns to QA leadership and production supervisors.
• Place on “HOLD” non-conforming product, document status, and communicate this information to the production supervisors and Quality management.
• Perform Glass, Brittle Plastic and Ceramic inspections as per the program, document and inform appropriate management for corrective actions.
• Perform secondary evaluations on all non-conforming products, document product status, and communicate results to Quality Management.
• Responsible for compliance with the applicable requirements of SQF and food safety.
• Adhere to all applicable standard operating procedures including cleaning and sanitation and ensure allergen management practices are implemented on the production floor.
• Complete accurate and legible records per HACCP, FSMA, and regulatory requirements. Ensure that reports can be easily retrieved.
• Ensure all production paperwork is filled out correctly, legibly and audited prior to filing.
• Keeps inspection and measurement equipment operating by following operating and calibration procedures and notifying management when repairs are necessary.
• Inspect raw materials during receiving for temperature, condition, labeling, and supplier documentation like COAs.
• Support continuous improvement and customer quality initiatives.
• Interface with the QA Supervisor for direction and assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.WHY JOIN OUR TEAM• Opportunity to grow within the Quality department.
• Stable industry with strong demand for meat/poultry products.• Hands-on role with immediate impact on product safety and quality.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent required, associate degree in Food Science or related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of QA/QC experience in a food manufacturing environment required.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Reliable, Responsible, Accountable, Committed• Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and basic microbiology concepts is preferred.
• Ability to work in cold/wet environments and handle raw and cooked meat products. Temperatures inside the production floor can be from 33 - 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete documentation accurately.
• Ability to communicate effectively with production teams and regulatory personnel.
• Basic computer literacy, Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).LANGUAGE• Bilingual - English and Spanish is a must.

BENEFITS

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Referral program
• Ability to commute/relocate:Colorado Springs, CO:
• Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)Work Location: In person