(F) QA Technician

Job description

DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for the integrity of ingredients, raw materials, batching, blending, processes, sampling, testing and inspection of finished product that adheres to the Company’s standards and specifications.

Function Specific Activities

·  Perform laboratory tests (e.g., microbiological, calibration, chemical, sensory) in order to determine that raw materials, packaging and manufactured products meet the Company’s quality standards and specifications.
·  Prepare samples and sampling plan for ingredients, intermediate or finished products, or other materials in order to perform analyses (e.g., chemical, physical, sensory, microbiological).
·  Process incoming or outgoing samples (e.g., receiving, logging, labeling, shipping) using tools to ensure that samples are traceable and properly distributed for analysis.
·  Perform microbiological tests in order to determine viable organisms or total counts. 
·  Perform chemical analyses using instrumental methods in order to determine the composition of samples.
·  Evaluate ingredients, products or packaging materials via visual inspection or by measuring weight, density, stress, dimensions, torque, strength, etc. in order to determine physical properties of samples and compliance with standards.
·  Prepare standards or standard curves to perform quantitative analyses.
·  Interpret data from routine and non-routine analyses in order to validate that ingredients/materials meet specifications approve for shipment to Company plants.
·  Prepare beverages and conduct analytical tests and taste or odor tests according to sensory guidelines.
·  Provide the framework and tools for ensuring the quality and integrity of products through the on-going development and refining of the Coca-Cola Quality System (TCCQS).
·  Monitor wastewater by sampling and inspecting wastewater, collecting BOD/COD data and checking automated treatment systems.
·  Receive and document inbound materials and finished products for production and/or inventory accuracy using designated receiving procedures.
·  Perform statistical process control on required plant equipment and processes in order to monitor quality of finished products, packages and ingredients.
·  Clean and sanitize tanks using technology (e.g., computer-guided processes) and physical ability (e.g., washing the tanks) in order to maintain sanitary production equipment in manufacturing plant.
·  Calculate production yields and scrap quantities in order to accurately record material usage variances.
·  Add liquid or dry ingredients, using product specifications and Standard Mixing Instructions (SMI), to a concentrate, beverage base or syrup product in order to keep the overall product manufacturing process moving forward.
·  Prepare (e.g., inspect, verify condition) all equipment used in the manufacturing process prior to use in order to ensure smooth, sanitary and safe operation.
·  Report finished production process data to supervisor for approval before releasing a batch of concentrate, syrup or beverage base in order to assure quality of material released for distribution.
·  Complete legal and Department of Transportation paperwork regarding trucks, truck drivers or freight in accordance with policies and procedures in order to document compliance with transportation regulations.
·  Perform data transactions for inventory control items by using facility information systems to ensure product, ingredient and material traceability.
·  Support new products and/or business innovations by performing product trial runs and protocol studies as needed under the guidelines of The Coca-Cola Quality System (TCCQS) to ensure manufacturing capability and to meet commercialization timeline.
·  Hook drums lines to tank outlet, close and cap all outlets according to standard operating procedures to ensure proper flow of ingredients and proper tank utilization.
·  Operates Filler at startup, shutdown and during CIP.
·  Perform CIP on blending equipment.
·  Supply Blend Room with raw materials as needed.
·  Perform line checks to ensure product and packaging meet specifications.
·  Operate lab testing equipment such as density meters and titrators.
·  Document all operational parameters.
·  Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices, Safety Policies and Procedures.
·  Forklift operations/inspections.
·  Training of new associates.
·  Ability to cross train in different responsibilities of the QC department.
·  Control ingredient inventory through FIFO
·  Clean and sanitize equipment, floors, windows, outdoor grounds, or any other areas as needed.
·  Ability to understand, record, and communicate system problems and solutions.
·  Demonstrate good attendance.
·  Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
·  Ability to work extended hours, weekends and holidays.
·  Move and lift material weighing 55 pounds to distances of 10 feet or more, floor to waist.
·  Ability to push and pull force of 80lbs.
·  Ability to squat and bend over at the waist.
·  Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time in temperature extremes on a daily basis up to 12 hours.
·  Any other duties as assigned to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of products, processes and work environment.

  Job Requirements

·  Education – High School Diploma or GED equivalent, secondary education preferred
·  Related Work Experience – at least 3 years related experience, preferred

Technical Skills

·  Quality Assurance – Knowledge and application of quality cost analysis, inspection, corrective action planning, customer and consumer satisfaction tracking and internal monitoring to detect and correct non-conforming information, materials or processes.  Knowledge of the principles systems and costs associated with product quality.  Knowledge of the methods and techniques used during quality monitoring and auditing.  Ability to use software and statistical techniques to aid in quality control.
·  Clean In Place – Knowledge of the Company’s Clean-in-Place (CIP) policies and procedures and the ability to perform the associated tasks (e.g., physically entering tanks, heavy lifting, handling large hoses and hot water.)
·  Food Safety Regulations – Knowledge of the company, local, national and international food safety regulatory requirements that apply to company locations or processes and the actions required to keep the Company in compliance with these regulations.
·  Food/Flavor Chemistry – Basic knowledge of the organic chemistry of ingredients and flavor compounds that are used in Company products.
·  Good Manufacturing Practices – Knowledge of the basic elements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a manufacturing environment and the ability to apply them. 
·  Lab Safety – Knowledge of government lab safety regulations, including hazardous materials, OSHA and chemical hygiene policies.  Includes knowledge of procedures for safe handling of chemicals and glassware, use of personal protective equipment and adhering to Company safety rules.  Knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices (e.g., housekeeping, handling chemicals and glassware, preparing standards and reagents proper measuring techniques).
·  Laboratory Testing – Knowledge of ingredients, packaging and equipment laboratory test procedures, measurement devices, preparing analytical standards, reporting methods and Company performance criteria.  Ability to analyze test results in order to assist in making accurate product acceptance decisions.
·  Laboratory/Analytical Instrumentation – Knowledge of instrument theory, mechanical construction and operation, maintenance requirements.  Includes the ability to operate, modify and repair laboratory instruments.
·  Calibration - Ability to measure instrument variation and apply corrections in order to ensure accuracy and precision of an instrument, equipment or measurement tool. 
·  Sensory Analysis – Knowledge and application of sensory analysis techniques (e.g., taste, odor, appearance) and their use in understanding important flavor characteristics in Company products.  Includes the ability to apply the techniques to evaluate beverage quality.
·  Documentation Management – Knowledge of the principles of documentation management to define and manage changes to the intellectual property, project agreements, supplier agreements, The Coca-Cola Quality System (TCCQS), engineering documentation, capital asses, equipment authorization and/or packaging.
·  Sampling – Knowledge and application of statistical process control techniques for developing and maintaining sampling programs.
·  Statistical Process Control – Knowledge and application of statistical tools and techniques (e.g., X-bar, histograms, CPK calculations and range charting) used to understand, monitor and control work processes.
·  Technical Specifications – Knowledge of and ability to apply standards and specifications for ingredients, packaging, beverage production, and concentrate manufacturing. 
·  Transportation Regulations – Knowledge of the Company, local, national and international transportation and hazardous materials regulatory requirements that apply to Company locations or processes and the actions required to keep the company in compliance with these regulations.
·  Troubleshooting – Ability to identify and resolve process, system and/or mechanical failures (e.g., manufacturing equipment, software tools, network, order flags, parts return).
·  Waste Water Treatment – Knowledge of wastewater treatment operations and associated processes.  Includes the ability to operate a wastewater treatment facility.
·  Water Filtration/Treatment – Knowledge of the basic chemistry of water and filtration or other means of removing contaminants of impurities.  Includes knowledge of water standards (e.g., NSF, EPA) and their functionality.  Ability to select and integrate water filtration equipment to achieve a cost-effective solution to removing water impurities that affect beverage taste or quality.
·  Audit Objectivity – Ability to remain independent and objective when performing audits.  This includes adhering to the facts and standards and not being unduly influenced by operating management.

Job Location and Work Conditions

·  Work is performed in all areas of a production facility.  Work is of non-repetitive nature and requires exposures to temperature extremes, moderate noise levels, moving equipment, wetness, chemicals, ingredients, fumes, dust, and vibrations.
·  Work is performed on flexible shifts.  Manufacturing facility subject to extreme heat and cold.  Multi-shift operation.

LeadershipBehaviors:

·  DRIVE INNOVATION:  Generate new or unique solutions and embrace new ideas that help sustain our business
·  COLLABORATE WITH SYSTEM, CUSTOMERS, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS :  Develop and leverage relationships with stakeholders to appropriately stretch and impact the System (Company and Bottler)
·  ACT LIKE AN OWNER:  Deliver results, creating value for our brands, our System, our customers and key stakeholders
·  INSPIRE OTHERS:  Inspire people to deliver our mission and 2020 Vision, demonstrate passion for the business and give people a reason to believe anything is possible
·  DEVELOP SELF AND OTHERS:  Develop self and support others’ development to achieve full potential

Honesty and integrity have always been cornerstone values of The Coca-Cola Company. Our passion for people of integrity mirrors our spirited drive for total quality in our brands. These and other elements allow the company to sustain strategic practices and drive business performance. The Personnel Integrity Assurance Program is another step toward making The Coca-Cola Company the premier workplace. This process includes a pre-employment background investigation that applies to all applicants employees and contractors of the company. The scope of this inquiry may cover such elements as education employment history a criminal history check reference checks and a pre-employment drug screen. Designated countries or sensitive positions within the company may have more stringent standards.

At The Coca-Cola Company you can cultivate your career in a challenging and dynamic environment. We are the largest manufacturer and distributor of nonalcoholic drinks in the world-selling more than 1 billion drinks a day. Unlock your full potential with a future-focused company that is known and respected throughout the world.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.