QA Associate

Quality Assurance Specialist

Seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist to join a Food company in Philadelphia, PA.

The Quality Assurance Specialist plays a pivotal role in the success of the Quality Assurance department by supporting key quality systems and ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality products to our customers. This position is responsible for ensuring all products are produced following all food safety and food quality requirements.

The QA Specialist collaborates closely with production and maintenance to ensure quality is upheld on the manufacturing floor. This role reinforces quality assurance principles on the manufacturing floor by conducting quality checks, inspecting filling equipment, and monitoring product quality throughout the production process.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys staying active throughout the day, and is eager to grow into a quality assurance leadership role by developing the skills and knowledge needed for long-term success in the field.

In-Process Quality Assurance Responsibilities (40%)

• Verify carton weights meet specifications through random sampling.
• Ensure case codes are legible, accurate, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Inspect case integrity for proper sealing and absence of damage.
• Inspect carton formation integrity and perform leak checks.
• Inspect product for code date accuracy and legibility.
• Perform filler inspections during production to ensure operational compliance.
• Collaborate with Production and Maintenance to halt production when quality or food safety concerns are detected.
• Initiate product holds when defective products or issues are observed.
• Document all findings and records for traceability in Red Zone (QA platform).

Down Time Sanitation Verification (40%)

• Perform inspections of filling equipment following downtime to ensure readiness for startup.
• Conduct ATP swabbing on product contact surfaces to verify effective cleaning.
• Verify adherence to sanitation and sterilization protocols to ensure compliance and adequacy.
• Collaborate with Production and Maintenance teams to confirm that filling equipment meets sanitation standards prior to startup.

Other QA Duties (20%)

• Conduct audits throughout the manufacturing facility to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Submit work requests to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Train production staff on the proper execution of quality assurance tests.
• Monitor and enforce adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Assist with QA-driven projects and initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production and Maintenance teams to perform root cause analysis for quality-related issues.

Basic Requirements:

• Aware of all safety procedures.
• Aware of and wears all personal protective equipment.
• Follows GMP and PMO regulations and guidelines.
• Can properly fill out all required documentation.
• Familiarity with laboratory processes, manufacturing and/or quality control.
• Bachelors degree required.
• Knowledge of food standards and handling, HACCP, any sciences training, and/or dairy experience all considered a plus
• Physical/Mental requirements including, but not limited to: mobility through plant, lifting, succeeding in a fast paced environment, juggling multiple tasks, etc.
• Intermediate Computer Skill (i.e. Word, Excel, etc.)

All employees are expected to support the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program by following food safety and quality procedures, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, and reporting any concerns. Team members must understand their role in the SQF System, complete required training, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement to ensure safe, high-quality products.

Competencies:

• Communication
• Accountability
• Customer Focused
• Initiative
• Problem-Solving
• Collaboration

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands 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 regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision for computer work and ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The individual would work in a manufacturing environment.
• The noise level for the work environment would be considered in the loud range (example: running machines, audio alarms, light traffic).

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.