QA Technician

Quality Assurance Technician

Fresh Mark in Salem, Ohio, is now hiring a 1st shift Quality Technician. This position performs a wide variety of quality control testing, including routine observations and monitoring of receiving, manufacturing, and processing activities to assure that products are manufactured and processed in compliance with internal and external customer specifications and regulatory compliance.

$19.00/hour

• Two‑year degree or certificate in food science or related subject preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required.
• One or more years of previous quality assurance or related experience in a food processing facility preferred.

• Knowledge of FDA GMPs and understanding of HACCP principles.
• Familiarity with modern food manufacturing processes and food safety systems.

• Perform physical, analytical, and microbial testing as well as sensory evaluation per QA manual and procedures.
• Perform process checks throughout production, packaging, sanitation, and warehousing functions.
• Conduct environmental testing using sterile technique.
• Coordinate with the sanitation department for the environmental testing program.
• Communicate with QA management, production, and sanitation personnel on test results and observations.
• Assist line technicians as required.
• Assist in the Sample Retain Program.
• Prepare production line QA stations and calibrate equipment as needed.
• Generate departmental reports and consolidate QA audit reports.
• Provide independent oversight of processes, verifying compliance with company standards and policies, and communicate deviations.
• Assist in training employees on food safety, company processes, and FDA Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of QA activities and USDA pre‑shipment records.
• Ensure proper documentation of company and customer specifications.
• Participate in required trainings related to Good Manufacturing Practices, HACCP, CCP, and safety.

• Coordinate sampling and testing of raw materials and finished products; conduct sampling as required.
• Conduct sanitation audits and pre‑operation inspections.
• Implement Environmental Monitoring Program.
• Verify that raw materials and finished products meet specifications.
• Conduct all monitoring activities to assure compliance with food safety and quality specifications.
• Report to QA management on test results and any deviations.
• Report all safety, quality issues and deviations to management.
• Comply with all plant, state, federal, OSHA, EPA, FDA, USDA, HACCP, and SQF guidelines and regulations.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure food safety and safe work practices.

• Knowledge of food safety principles.
• Ability to understand and operate basic product testing equipment.
• High level of organizational skills.
• Basic math skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Data entry and interpretation, database maintenance.
• Intermediate computer skills (MS Word, Excel, etc.).
• Good written and verbal communication skills; fluent reading and writing in English.
• Work authorization: applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States without need for current or future employer‑sponsored work authorization.

We invite you to join our exciting team and rapidly growing business. Fresh Mark provides an excellent work environment and comprehensive benefits, including paid vacations and holidays, educational assistance and reimbursement, health care with low premiums and deductibles, vision, 401(k) with company match, and more.

At Fresh Mark, people come first. It’s not just a slogan; it is ingrained in our culture. The cornerstone of our culture is based on caring for all employees at every level. As a team member, you will receive tools, leadership, and support to grow in your knowledge and career.

Owned and made in the USA for 100 years, Fresh Mark’s Sugardale brand supplies high‑quality meats including bacon, ham, hot dogs, sliced lunch meats, pepperoni, and salami, with annual sales of more than $1 billion.

Fresh Mark welcomes all interested people to apply. We pride ourselves in being a diverse company and consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any legally protected status.

All applicants applying for positions with Fresh Mark must accept the Employment Application Consent Form to continue their candidacy. Instructions to comply can be found in your application confirmation email.

Fresh Mark is a drug‑free workplace.