**Description** JOB DESCRIPTION INFORMATION Position Title: Quality Assurance (QA) Technician Position Type: Fulltime FLSA Status: Salaried Non-Exempt Location: Columbia, MO JOB SUMMARY QA Technicians are essential to ensuring that the products we make are safe for human consumption. They are the first line of defense in food safety by testing and inspecting products at various stages in the production process. They evaluate data and test results to determine food safety and maintain quality and reliability standards. Pay rates starting at $21.63 per hour ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Interprets raw and finished product specifications and company SOPs to ensure consistency, accuracy, testing techniques and frequencies related to the production process Sets up and performs destructive and non-destructive testing on raw materials and finished products to measure performance and quality characteristics per product specification or SOP Selects products for tests at specified stages in production process, and tests products for variety of qualities such as dimensions, performance, and mechanical, electrical, or chemical characteristics Solves problems by analyzing information, conducts tests, investigates and receives feedback. Communicates findings to QA Leads, Supervisors, Plant management and any other appropriate persons involved. Recommends permanent solutions Involved with training (formal or informal) of personnel to interpret, test, evaluate, measure, chart, calculate, weigh, record, file, and perform other testing associated with manufacturing quality products on a continuous basis Recommends modifications of existing quality or manufacturing specifications and SOPs to achieve optimum quality within limits of equipment and raw material capabilities Prepares graphs or charts of data or enters data into computer for analysis. Leads by example, involved with training and enforces GMP compliance by all plant personnel and visitors when necessary. Adheres to all company and plant policies related to GMP’s Knows and understands the HACCP process. Tests, records and files the data required to satisfy HACCP. Involved with educating, training, and auditing the HACCP process on a continuous basis to ensure food safety Performs Net Weight control and Metal Detector performance checks per SOP Performs calibration of measuring equipment on routine basis per SOP. Promotes and supports work teams to motivate and resolve conflict. Utilized training to assist in keeping a positive, productive attitude necessary to achieve goals during work situations. Performs general or preventive maintenance and cleaning of testing and sampling equipment during use to ensure proper function as recommended by equipment manufacturer or SOP. Notifies QC Lead or Supervisor of malfunctioning equipment as necessary. Performs cleaning and organizing of QA Lab and work area on an ongoing basis. Strictly adheres to all company and plant policies concerning safety, performing proper Lock-Out, Tag-Out procedures, uses proper lifting techniques, wears personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, proper walking/stepping and all other safety procedure related to your duties. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 1 year in food manufacturing industry Ability to read, interpret and analyze general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to comprehend and communicate in basic English and interact with all levels of the organization. Ability to enter data with intermediate computer skills using Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Frequent sitting, standing and walking, which may be required for long periods of time Slippery floors, cold temperatures, and loud ambient noise Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks, controlled substance testing Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently Handling and being exposed to sensitive and confidential information May be exposed to stressful situations May be required to work additional hours/overtime without advance notice Seeing, hearing and speaking clearly in order to communicate effectively Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50# unassisted Good attendance and safety records More about us: Since 1945, Principe has combined its Italian heritage with true craftsmanship to deliver the best Italian meats and charcuterie in the world. To meet growing consumer demand for great-tasting, high-quality Italian meats and charcuterie, Principe Foods is opening a new facility, combining old world traditions with innovative recipes, and expanding the authentic artisan offerings of Principe in the United States. Swift Prepared Foods, a division of JBS USA, the leading global supplier of diversified, high-quality food products, acquired Principe Foods in February 2022. Swift was founded nearly 150 years ago by Gustavus Swift, a pioneer whose passion and innovative spirit transformed the meat industry. Now it is your turn to join a company with the mission to use these 100-plus years of knowledge to be the BEST in all we do; completely focused on our business, ensuring the BEST products and services to our customers; a relationship of trust with our suppliers and profitability for our shareholders. All this, we do to provide an opportunity for a better future for all of our TEAM MEMBERS. Opportunity for career growth – we prefer to promote internal employees into management roles as they are ready for new responsibilities Comprehensive benefits package for full time employees including Medical, 401(k) and free tuition to select schools Charitable involvement across Mid-West communities (Hometown Strong (https://hometownstrong.jbssa.com/) ) Company Culture (Purpose & Culture (https://jbsfoodsgroup.com/our-purpose/culture) ) EOE/Vets/Disability