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Klosterman Baking

QA Technician 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Klosterman Baking, Hebron, Kentucky, United States, 41048

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Pay: $21-$23/ hr.

Schedule: Schedule may vary depending on production need

About Klosterman Baking Company:

We provide quality products to all of our customers across the Midwest via Fresh Distribution, and Nationwide via Frozen Distribution. From our fresh hamburger buns to our hardy sliced bread varieties, our commitment to baking with natural ingredients and providing a fresh great taste never ends. Here at Klosterman we understand the importance of family, that's why we pride ourselves on having a hometown feel within all our locations.

SUMMARY:

The In-Line Quality Technician will ensure that all company and customer specifications are met on all finished products throughout the production process at Hebron Klosterman Bakery-KBCB. The Technician ensures that finished products comply with all regulatory and statutory requirements from product development through finished product shipping and transport. The In-Line Quality Technician must report any food safety and quality issues that may occur immediately to the FSQA Manager and Site Leader as required. This position will complete routine checks, inspections, and testing to ensure that each product meets the bakery's standards for consistency, appearance, texture, and safety. The position requires attention to detail, an understanding of baking processes, and adherence to food safety regulations to maintain the highest product quality.

Responsibilities:

The In-Line Quality Technician oversees the quality and food safety of all finished products in the Hebron Klosterman Bakery - KBCB. The key job tasks and responsibilities of the In-Line Quality Technician include but are not limited to:

Production Line Quality Monitoring:

Conduct visual inspections of bread products at various stages of production (e.g., dough preparation, proofing, baking, and cooling) to ensure consistency in size, shape, and appearance. Monitor dough consistency and product texture to ensure the final product meets the company's quality standards. Verify that bread products are baked to the correct color and texture, ensuring optimal crust and crumb. Verify the real-time completion of required documentation. Confirm the correct parameters (temperature, slice count, packaging type, lot code format, etc.) are being followed per product type. Ensure lot numbers are being accurately tracked as required by the production team Monitor finished product measurements, temperatures, color, code dates and labels in wrap areas. Complete customer-specific documentation and monitoring products as required. Report all out-of-specification results to Process Leads and Shift Leads and ensure the quick resolution of food safety and quality issues identified on the shift. Daily monitoring of cream yeast tank temperatures and levels as required. Testing & Quality Assurance: Perform routine quality tests, including product measurements, temperature verification, pH, weight checks, and other product-specific tests to maintain product consistency. Test finished bread for texture, crumb structure, and flavor consistency. Monitor baking temperatures, ensuring the oven is set to the correct temperature and time for optimal baking. Product Sampling:

Collect product samples at specified intervals during production for testing and analysis, ensuring products are within specification for taste, texture, and appearance. Ensure that all batches of finished products meet or exceed specifications before they are packaged and shipped. Line Equipment Monitoring & Calibration: Ensure that equipment on the production line (e.g., dough mixers, proofers, ovens) is functioning properly and being operated at set parameters. Verify that the equipment is free from damage or loose parts that could cause foreign material introduction. Assist in calibration of equipment, including thermometers and weighing scales, to ensure the accuracy of measurements during production. Report any malfunctions or issues with equipment to maintenance or supervisory staff for immediate resolution. Food Safety & Compliance:

Adhere to food safety guidelines, including proper hygiene and sanitation protocols, to ensure the bakery environment and products are safe for consumption. Ensure that the bakery meets all regulatory requirements, such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and other local food safety standards. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the production line, including wiping down surfaces, sanitizing tools, and ensuring proper handling of ingredients. Communicate daily events to the Quality and Management Teams via Daily Shift Report. Non-Conforming Product Holds

Place products not meeting regulatory, statutory, company, and customer requirements on quality or food safety hold as required. Work with production and shipping teams to ensure all non-conforming products are effectively captured and segregated in the hold area. Attach quality or food safety hold tags to non-conforming products, for larger holds, caution tape is required. Report all holds to FSQA Leadership to ensure proper tracking and product disposition. As requested by FSQA Leadership, assist the production department with sorting, inspecting and measuring non-conforming products on hold. Assist the production department with the destruction of all non-conforming products when instructed by the FSQA Manager. Collection of all hold tags as required. Record Keeping & Documentation:

Maintain accurate records of product inspections, test results, and any deviations from quality standards. Document corrections taken when deviations are found, ensuring thorough tracking for compliance and continuous improvement. Assist in the preparation of quality reports for management, including any trends or issues that may affect production. Collaboration with Production Team:

Communicate closely with the production team to ensure quality standards are understood and maintained throughout the production process. Report any quality issues to the FSQA Manager or Production Supervisor and work together to identify corrective actions or process improvements. Assist in training new production staff on quality control standards and procedures. Ensure that food safety and quality concerns and issues are communicated clearly and promptly to the appropriate individuals to aid in a swift resolution. Additional Tasks

Performing metal detector monitoring checks for each lot of metal detectable earplugs, pens and band-aids as required. Assisting with Foreign Material investigations and recording all findings on associated documentation. Assisting with metal detector verification checks throughout the shift following any maintenance adjustments to metal detection equipment. Performing flour tailings checks each shift as required and completing all associated documentation. Daily communication with other departments on food safety and quality issues. Completing all required employee training in Alchemy. Completing all required employee training assigned by the FSQA Manager. Daily review of Food Safety and Quality Documentation Monthly Inventory of Quality and Sanitation Items Other tasks as assigned by the Food Safety Quality Assurance Manager. Skills & Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

Experience in a food production or bakery setting, preferably within Klosterman Bakery A basic understanding of baking processes, food quality standards, and food safety regulations is a plus. A demonstrated ability to learn and retain information. A demonstrated ability to think critically and apply information learned to real-time situations. Technical Skills:

Familiarity with basic quality control tools and techniques, such as thermometers, calipers, and digital scales. Ability to conduct visual inspections and identify potential quality issues. An understanding of food safety standards, such as HACCP and GMP. Attention to Detail:

Strong attention to detail and ability to spot inconsistencies in product quality. Ability to follow quality standards and procedures precisely. Physical Requirements:

Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and handle various bakery production equipment. Ability to stand, bend, and move around the production floor for extended periods. Communication:

Bilingual capability is preferred. Strong communication skills to report quality issues and work effectively with other team members. Ability to clearly and completely document inspection results and quality control findings. Working Conditions:

Work in a fast-paced bakery environment with exposure to heat, humidity, and moving machinery. Standard working hours with potential for overtime based on production needs. Additional Information:

This position offers opportunities for advancement within the quality control or production departments. The role requires strict adherence to all safety protocols and quality assurance standards.

Pay: $22.00 hr.

Schedule: 12 hr. shifts/ 3-2-2 schedule NIGHT SHIFT 6:30PM-7AM

OFF EVERY OTHER WEEKEND