Quality Control Operator

KALLE USA LLC is a manufacturer of food packaging in the North Suburbs that has an immediate need for a QA Operator to work a night rotating shift. This position will perform as a member of the Operations Team. Maintain a high level of safety and quality awareness. Support safety programs related to personnel safety and food safety.

JOB PURPOSE: Safely performs quality and food safety checks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTONS:

Safety 

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Report unsafe conditions to lead or supervisor
• Report injury, and/ or illness immediately to lead or supervisor.
• Inspect, identify and report safety hazards (e.g., exposed electrical cables, air hoses, or liquid spills) 
• Inspect and maintain a hazard-free work area: clear aisles, and spills.
• Use and maintain proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): safety shoes, eye protection, hearing protection. 
• Ensure equipment and controls are functioning properly. 
• Do not bypass safety features or safety guards. 
• Immediately report any equipment malfunctions.

Operation 

• Conducts quality checks according to sample plan.
• Assists in investigations of non-conformances.
• Observes machine compliance with standards and specifications. 
• Provides assistance to production as needed.
• Conducts walks-arounds on the floor looking for quality, safety and food safety issues. 
• Conducts receiving inspections and releases Chemhold.
• Places material on hold and stops machines when quality issues occur. 
• Calibrates QA equipment. 
• Conducts spot training as needed.
• Conducts line audits. 
• Assists in RMA testing.
• Performs QHP inventory.
• Assists in conducting required audits.
• Assists in ministering special orders.
• Conducts daily temperature audits of cooler/freezer in Section 3 & Curing Room Humidity audit.
• Conducts other duties as assigned.

Documentation / Data Entry 

• Record results of quality checks and inspections.
• Document non-conformances and corrective actions.
• Maintain calibration logs for QA equipment.
• Enter and update hold/release records in system.
• Complete audit checklists and line audit reports.
• File and archive quality documentation per company procedures.
• Update QHP inventory records.
• Input data from receiving inspections and Chemhold releases.

Troubleshooting

• Identify and report defects in raw materials, WIP, or finished goods.
• Perform water checks and hornfit tests on finished goods to verify compliance.
• Verify packaging and labeling 
• Place product on hold when inspections or test results do not meet requirements.
• Report all non-conformities and issues directly to the Quality Supervisor.
• Re-check suspect product after corrective action is confirmed by Production or Maintenance.
• Document troubleshooting results in quality data base.

       Quality Assurance – Food Safety / GMP Requirements

• Identify and report defects in materials.
• Follow personal hygiene rules: wash/sanitize hands before starting, after breaks, and when contamination may occur.
• Comply with PPE requirements: hairnets, beard nets, gloves, and protective gear.
• Change gloves when changing tasks, after contamination, or when gloves are damaged.
• Remove jewelry, watches, and loose items before production entry.
• Clean and sanitize equipment/tools before use.
• Verify ingredients, formulas, and packaging materials match the Work Order and are within expiration.
• Follow proper storage and handling procedures for raw and finished products (covered, correct temperature).
• Maintain sanitation during testing: wipe spills, keep floors/surfaces clean, dispose of waste properly.
• No eating, drinking, or gum in production areas.
• Inspect product quality: check for contamination risks, foreign objects, off-color/odor, or defects.
• Monitor machine operation to maintain quality (weights, length, tension, formula application).
• Follow all SOPs for cleaning, mixing, processing, and packaging.
• Participate in required training: Food Safety, GMP, HACCP.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (The following qualifications can be acquired and demonstrated through experience, education and/or vocational training as noted or as appropriate.)

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Two (2) plus years of previous quality assurance in manufacturing experience preferred. 
• Two (2) years of quality assurance in the Food or Food Packaging preferred. 
• Working knowledge of quality principles and practices; knowledge of general OSHA, GMP, and Food Safety requirements.