Job Title: Microbiology QA Tech
Location: Fairfield, New Jersey
Type: Contract To Hire
Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-3pm with flexibility to work some Saturdays Position Overview

We are seeking a QA Lead Technician / Microbiologist to join a leading food production team. This hybrid role is responsible for leading QA operations on the floor while executing microbiological testing to ensure the highest standards of food safety, product integrity, and compliance with regulatory guidelines.

This position supports production by validating line setup, auditing in-process and finished goods, conducting microbial and environmental testing, and driving quality-focused corrective actions when necessary. It is ideal for a candidate with both floor-based QA experience and microbiology lab skills within a regulated food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities Production Line Quality & Compliance

Set up and verify functionality of QA-critical equipment at shift start and product changeovers, including:

Metal detectors

X-ray machines

Checkweighers

Perform QA audits throughout production for:

Net weights

Moisture and salt percentages

Headspace gas levels (O2/CO2) using gas meter

Product codes, labeling accuracy, closures, pre-priced stickers

Cheese blend formulas, additives (e.g., salt, floam, cellulose, natamycin)

Review and document all QA results; escalate and correct any out-of-specification findings with proper corrective actions logged

Validate compliance with finished product specifications, Material Orders (MO), and packaging standards (primary, secondary, and tertiary)

Microbiological & Analytical Testing

Conduct daily microbiological tests including:

Yeast & Mold

E. coli

Total Aerobic Plate Counts

Execute bioburden and endotoxin testing on raw materials and finished products

Perform environmental monitoring:

Swab testing for Listeria, Coliforms, and other microbes

Air quality monitoring using PDA media

Conduct pH testing and calibration using standard buffers (4, 7, 10)

Use moisture analyzer and salt meter for quality assurance

Monitor incubators and lab equipment during testing protocols

Regulatory Compliance & QA Program Management

Ensure adherence to GMP, HACCP, and FDA food safety requirements at all times

Investigate deviations and non-conformances, documenting findings and resolutions

Maintain and update SOPs in line with current regulatory and internal standards

Support shelf-life program through sample collection and documentation

Shut down any production operation suspected of producing unsafe or substandard product

Place raw materials, packaging, WIP, or finished goods on hold as needed

Leadership & Training

Lead systemic quality investigations and mentor other QA technicians

Train new technicians on GMP, quality protocols, and food safety systems

Serve as a QA point of contact and escalation lead for food safety, labeling, and documentation issues

Continuously develop the skills and performance of QA team members

Equipment Maintenance

Calibrate and troubleshoot lab instruments:

pH meters, salt meters, moisture analyzers, incubators, gas meters

Execute preventive maintenance and basic repairs for QA lab and in-line QA equipment

Document and schedule equipment calibration logs

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Associate Degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline (preferred)

Minimum 1–3 years of experience in QA/QC or microbiology within a food, flavor, or dairy manufacturing environment

Familiarity with FDA, GMP, HACCP, and regulatory compliance requirements

Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and conducting microbial/environmental testing

Strong documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills

Must be detail-oriented and capable of working in both production and lab environments

Authorities

Approve or hold materials and products based on compliance status

Shut down any operations deemed to present a food safety or quality risk

Report quality or GMP violations to appropriate management

Lead QA investigations and initiate corrective actions

Manage and update the shelf-life and retention program

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, TeamPeople, and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.