**Job Description: Food Quality Assurance Technician** **Position Overview:** We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Food Quality Assurance Technician to join our team. This role is crucial in ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The position involves a balanced mix of laboratory analytical testing and on-site quality assurance on the manufacturing floor. This is a direct hire opportunity with an annual salary of **$57,200** **Key Responsibilities:** **Laboratory Analytical Testing (50%):** + **Color Analysis:** Utilize spectrophotometers and colorimeters to measure and ensure product color consistency. + **Particle Size Analysis:** Employ sieving and laser diffraction techniques to determine the size distribution of particles in products. + **Fat Content Determination:** Use Soxhlet extraction and other gravimetric methods to measure the fat content in food samples. + **Moisture Content Measurement:** Apply oven drying and Karl Fischer titration methods to assess the moisture levels in products. + **Viscosity Testing:** Conduct viscosity measurements using viscometers and rheometers to ensure product consistency. + **pH Testing:** Utilize pH meters to monitor and adjust the acidity or alkalinity of food products. + **Count Per Pound:** Perform weight and count measurements to ensure product specifications are met. + **Free Fatty Acid and Peroxide Value Testing:** Use titration methods to determine the levels of free fatty acids and peroxide values, indicating the freshness and quality of fats and oils. + **Flavor Analysis:** Conduct sensory evaluations and use gas chromatography to analyze and ensure the desired flavor profile of products. **Manufacturing Floor Quality Assurance (50%):** + **Inspection and Monitoring:** Regularly inspect production lines to ensure compliance with quality standards and identify any deviations. + **Process Verification:** Verify that manufacturing processes are being followed correctly and consistently. + **Sampling and Testing:** Collect samples from various stages of production for laboratory testing. + **Documentation:** Maintain accurate records of inspections, tests, and other quality assurance activities. + **Collaboration:** Work closely with production staff to address quality issues and implement corrective actions. + **Training:** Provide training to manufacturing personnel on quality standards and procedures. **Qualifications:** + Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field. + Experience in a food manufacturing environment is preferred. + Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. + Proficiency in laboratory techniques and equipment. + Excellent communication and teamwork skills. + Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks. **Benefits:** + Competitive salary and benefits package. + Opportunities for professional development and career advancement. + A supportive and collaborative work environment. If you are passionate about food quality and safety and have the skills and experience we are looking for, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. **About Aerotek:** We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.