Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Location: PastryStar – Laurel, MD Pay Rate: $20.00 – $25.00 per hour (based on experience) Schedule: Monday–Friday, 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM Job Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The QA Technician supports food safety and quality programs in a food manufacturing environment. This role is hands-on and production-floor based, ensuring compliance with GMP, GDP, HACCP, and SQF requirements to maintain safe, high-quality products.

Key Responsibilities

Perform and document quality control and food safety testing on production batches in compliance with GMPs, GDPs, HACCP plans, and SQF standards.

Conduct and document shelf-life and stability testing; report and escalate nonconforming results.

Perform and document scheduled calibrations of QA and select production equipment, including thermometers, scales, refractometers, kettle probes, and metal detectors; report out-of-spec equipment to Maintenance and Management.

Verify and monitor metal detection systems, including routine challenge tests and documentation.

Perform random, on-the-floor equipment checks to ensure proper operation and compliance.

Conduct, trend, and document environmental monitoring; communicate results and corrective actions as needed.

Monitor and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs), including hygiene, allergen controls, packaging, labeling, and food defense.

Ensure accurate and timely paperwork completion, including batch records, CCP logs, metal detection logs, calibration records, and deviation reports.

Support HACCP and Preventive Controls programs through verification activities and personnel observation.

Assist with inspections, internal audits, SQF audits, knife/blade inspections, returned product evaluations, and nonconforming product investigations.

Collaborate with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and R&D teams to support continuous improvement and food safety compliance.

Maintain food safety and quality documentation, including product specifications, kosher certifications, vendor records, and SDS files.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or minimum of three (3) years of experience in food manufacturing QA/QC

Hands-on experience with metal detection, equipment verification, and food safety documentation

Working knowledge of GMP, GDP, HACCP, and SQF

Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Fluency in Spanish preferred but not required

Work Authorization

⚠️ WE E-VERIFY Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. Employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify.

Ability to Commute

Must reliably commute to Laurel, MD, or plan to relocate prior to start date