Quality Assurance Technician, Lead (Nights)

$57,720 - $79,518/Yr

The Coca-Cola Company - Houston, TX

Full-time

Houston, TX

Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing

About the position

The QA Tech, Lead is responsible for ensuring compliance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the overall sanitation program for the facility. This role involves providing leadership and oversight for the execution of the facility's Master Sanitation Program and microbiology requirements, including the collection, plating, and reading of microbiology samples.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the completion of Master Sanitation Program requirements.
• Review cleaning and sanitizing activity and records for both manual and automated cleaning processes to identify gaps that could lead to microbiological growth.
• Conduct microbiological sampling, plating, and reading activities.
• Generate reports for leadership on the effectiveness of the Master Sanitation Program.
• Initiate and lead Master Sanitation Program related corrective actions.
• Provide sanitation and microbiology training to team members in production, maintenance, and quality assurance.
• Demonstrate knowledge of applicable Quality Manuals/Policies.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of the QA Department's part in the ISO systems (Food Safety, Safety, Quality, and Environmental).
• Select sites for weekly pre-operational inspection.
• Maintain laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Safety Manuals.
• Inventory and submit purchase requests for microbiological laboratory supplies.
• Perform CCNA proficiency tests for microbiological analysis when required.
• Prepare microbiological test media aseptically.
• Train new QA techs on microbiological analysis including sample collection, dilutions, plating, reading, and aseptic techniques.
• Verify daily incubator temperatures.
• Conduct research and special projects as required.
• Keep supervisors informed on quality issues throughout the shift.
• Assist with audits, both announced and unannounced.
• Communicate daily/weekly microbiological results to management.
• Track, monitor, and implement preventive maintenance of applicable QA equipment.
• Complete the train the trainer course and perform training as necessary.
• Demonstrate understanding of Infinity QS SPC system and troubleshoot Infinity software.
• Monitor, operate, and troubleshoot water treatment systems as necessary.
• Collect and submit required water samples for testing.
• Ensure Master Sanitation Schedule is followed for assigned QA areas.
• Comply with all Company Food Safety, Safety, Quality, and Environmental Policies and Standards.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED; Bachelor's or Associates Degree in Food Science, Technical/Engineering Field, Continuous Improvement/Project Management preferred.
• Technical training in food microbiology or overall microbiology required; training must include sampling techniques, plating techniques, plate reading, and overall good practices in microbiology; actual demonstrated working experience greater than two years in microbiology may be accepted as a replacement for training.
• Two years of food microbiology program experience required; experience in a beverage manufacturing industry preferred.
• Experience working within an ISO management system or USDA/FDA environment required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in an auditing or inspecting against organizational standards role; ISO Auditor Certification preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications - EXCEL, WORD, Power-Point, Outlook, SAP.
• Experience with statistical analysis preferred.
• Experience in training others required.
• Ability to interact with multiple levels of leadership, generate clear and concise written reports, and interact with teams in problem-solving activities required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a beverage manufacturing industry preferred.
• ISO Auditor Certification preferred.
• Experience with statistical analysis preferred.

Benefits

• Starting compensation at $27.75 - $38.23 per hour based on experience.
• Additional earning opportunities such as an extra week of pay and referral bonuses.