SUMMARY

The Quality Technician, reporting to the Quality Manager, serves as a technical resource for the Quality team. This role is responsible for conducting routine and specialized testing on in-process materials, finished products, ingredients, and manufacturing supplies, while ensuring compliance with regulatory and company standards. The Quality Technician also drives continuous improvement through partnerships with cross-functional teams to address quality issues and promotes a strong culture of food safety and quality across the facility.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Perform testing on ingredients, in-process materials, and finished products to confirm they meet specifications.

· Collaborate with operations teams to resolve quality issues and support continuous improvement efforts.

· Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and prepare standard testing solutions.

· Monitor and document GMPs, pre-op inspections, and sanitation verification.

· Record data, analyze results, compare outcomes against specifications, and escalate concerns when required.

· Support internal audits and supplier quality/food safety audits.

· Maintain Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and calibration programs to ensure accurate laboratory results.

· Perform other related departmental duties as assigned by Quality Manager.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE)

· Bachelor’s degree in food science, food safety, or related technical field and 2+ years of food / beverage manufacturing (FDA or USDA).

· Or combination of education and 5+ years of food / beverage manufacturing (FDA or USDA).

· Strong working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, FSMA, Food Allergens, Food Microbiology, and other food safety / quality programs.

· Working knowledge of current GFSI Schemes – SQF / BRCGS / FSSC 2200.

· Strong working knowledge of laboratory methods.

· Excellent communication and technical writing skills, with the ability to prepare effective procedures and reports.

· Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment.

· Preferred – Bilingual English/Spanish

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (JOB SKILLS, ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE)

· Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.

· Hands-on problem-solving approach encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, taste, or smell. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 - 25 pounds, and occasionally more than 50 pounds with assistance from co-workers and/or mechanical devices. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to wet and/or refrigerated conditions. The employee will be handling items that may be very hot. The noise level is usually moderate.

Grillo’s is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.