Food Safety & Quality Assurance Technician

SIMULATE's mission is to upgrade the world to a positive food system. SIMULATE's first product, NUGGS, is a chicken nugget simulation made from plant inputs. Since NUGGS launched in the Summer of 2019, we have evolved into the fastest growing chicken nugget on the planet. SIMULATE is currently developing new nutrition technologies, some that will launch in early 2023.

About the Role

Our Bridgeton, NJ manufacturing plant is looking for a "hands-on" Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Technician to implement and scale our food safety and quality processes. Under the direction of our Bridgeton Site Lead, our FSQA Technician has responsibility for overseeing quality operations and ensuring compliance during their shift. While this position currently has no direct reports, this team member will be responsible for ensuring quality standards are achieved, documents and tests are accurately completed, and GMPs are consistently followed by all operations team members to meet quality and regulatory standards. This role will also be responsible for aiding the completion of various quality projects, as directed by SIMULATE's FSQA Manager.

Ideal candidates must be excited to work in laboratory, "pilot plant" conditions as we grow and expand our manufacturing footprint. SIMULATE team members share core responsibilities as part of the team, while also empowered to lead a unique focus area of our factory. Passion and respect for our people and products is a must!

Responsibilities

• Perform monthly quality audits
• Ensure team members follow GMPs & good hygiene practices
• Ensure accuracy of production reports and HACCP Documentation
• Ensure raw materials match COAs
• Calibrate and maintain equipment
• Collaborate with Site Lead and Production Managers to execute new processes in the plant
• Manage SOPs for their job duties
• Manage and implement systems to maintain quality, safety, and consistency
• Support operations team with production as needed
• Perform ingredient, in-process, and finished product quality checks
• Manage hold and release program
• Create, review, and approve policies and procedures
• Ensure production team members follow sanitation practices and standards
• Oversee changeovers and shut down procedures
• Manage all aspects of SQF certification and re-certifications
• Inspect and release product
• Complete ATP and allergen swabbing
• Verify labeling of product
• Review all CCPs prior to finished product shipment
• Manage and maintain laboratory tools, process and consumables
• Place raw material and finished product on hold when deviations occur
• Conduct routine visual inspections of delivery and shipment vehicles
• Investigate root causes and implement corrective actions
• Assist in R&D projects including new product development and ingredient changes
• Perform routine inventory counts
• Manage product specific quality specifications
• Serve as onsite point-of-contact (POC), to manage / facilitate 3rd party partnerships as needed
• Investigate root causes and implement corrective actions
• Train employees on safety, GMPs, SSOPs, and HACCP
• Develop food safety plans for new products
• Review and define in-process manufacturing specifications
• Quality checks on raw material
• Guarantee sanitation procedures are complete and documented
• Responsible for the Chemical Control Program and Pest Control Program

Requirements:

• Enjoys working individually and within a team.
• Other duties as assigned by plant leadership.
• Must be able to accurately document lot numbers and quantities.
• Able to push/pull large equipment such as product carts and mixer tanks.
• Good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with critical thinking and reasoning.
• Able to write and review new standard operating procedures for new processes.
• Must be able to write and speak clearly and effectively with visitors, vendors, and SIMULATE team members.
• Four-year Degree in Food Science or a related field is preferred. Minimum high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Able to work in hot and cold environments.
• Must be familiar with a production environment under FDA and HACCP guidelines.
• Able to work with minimal oversight at times, able to confidently handle situations on their own
• Able to lift 50 lbs and walk/stand for long periods of time.
• Combined experience in quality and management preferred.
• Able to keep accurate and timely logs of data and process values.
• Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of the natural products industry is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Minimum 3 years prior experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong math skills required.
• Must be comfortable working with numbers.

Job Type

• Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Benefits

• 401k with Company Match
• Free SIMULATE products
• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance

Benefit Conditions

• No Waiting Period
• Full-time employees eligible

Schedule

• 8-hour shift, subject to change

Pay Rate & Frequency

• Bi-weekly
• $25.00 - $28.00 per hour, depending on experience

Back-up Role
In the absence of a Quality Technician, a trained Plant Technician would step in to fulfill these job duties.

SIMULATE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.