Quality Assurance (QA) Technician

Description

At PURIS, we're dedicated to cultivating a better food system and making a positive impact. How do we do it? By transforming high-quality, USA-made pea ingredients and non-GMO soybeans into essential components for a wide range of everyday products. From cereals and snacks to protein beverages, soy milk, tofu, and beyond, our ingredients are powering a healthier future and strengthening our domestic food supply chain. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of an exciting period of expansion and growth. You'll drive strategic initiatives, leverage cutting-edge solutions, and implement new processes that directly support a better food future for people and the planet.

Harrold, SD is where our agricultural roots meet cutting-edge innovation. Our Harrold facility is dedicated to maximizing the potential of our crops right from the start, significantly contributing to a stronger, more responsible domestic food system. We're always seeking dedicated team members passionate about problem solving and food processing. We have an unwavering commitment to safety and recognize consistent dedication with attendance rewards and a gas stipend to support your commute.

The Quality Technicians role is to   support the site through managing food safety programs and various quality   requirements starting from raw material all the way through shipping to the   final customer. The role ensures the site is audit ready and meeting the   regulatory requirements for food safety and our certifications. This role also supports the sales division   by preparing customer sampling and necessary quality documents. This role   will do all testing of raw material, finished product, and byproducts. 

Starting Hourly Rate: $19.00*

Pay Frequency: Biweekly

Bonus Eligible: Yes

*The hourly rate for this role will be based on qualifications, experience, market data, and internal equity. Actual pay may vary due to factors such as location, skills, education, and performance. Pay is determined transparently, using market benchmarks and ensuring internal equity.

Summary of Essential Job Functions:

This role performs quality testing, monitoring, inspections, record review, and verification activities to ensure

products meet company, customer, and regulatory requirements. The Quality Technician works closely with

Production, Sanitation, Warehouse, and Operations teams to maintain food safety standards, support audits,

investigate quality issues, and ensure all quality records are complete, accurate, and audit-ready.

• Conduct daily inbound pea grading and outbound shipment grading, testing, release, and quality
• verification activities.
• Track inbound and outbound truck movements and maintain accurate records of corresponding test
• results.
• Grade and test inbound raw materials and finished products, documenting results and communicating
• findings to appropriate stakeholders.
• Perform allergen testing on peas, splits, trucks, and other materials as required.
• Conduct quality inspections and laboratory testing for ingredients, in-process materials, and finished
• products.
• Review and generate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for shipments.
• Review and maintain production sample logs to ensure accuracy, traceability, and regulatory
• compliance.
• Conduct internal audits, document findings, and support resolution of non-conformities and
• corrective actions.
• Maintain site document control systems, ensuring document accuracy, version control, and
• compliance with company standards.
• Review and verify preventive control programs, including monitoring, verification, and corrective
• action records.
• Supporting quality investigations, validation activities, product trials, and product evaluations.
• Supporting continuous improvement in food safety culture, food safety and quality performance.
• Supporting food safety policies, procedures, records, and training documentation.
• Ensure accuracy, traceability, and compliance of export documentation and sample records.
• Participate in monthly Quality meetings, preparing documentation reviews, trend analysis, action
• items, and follow-up activities.
• Conduct quarterly FOSS calibrations. 
• Identify, document, investigate, and escalate out-of-specification (OOS) results and quality concerns. 
• Collaborate with operations, production, and supply chain teams to ensure product quality, customer requirements, and regulatory compliance
• Support third-party, regulatory, certification, and customer audits, including preparation, documentation review, audit participation, and corrective action follow-up.
• Serve as a member of the Organic Fraud Prevention Team, supporting implementation, training, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Organic Fraud Prevention Plan.
• Provide cross-functional support for organic compliance initiatives and business continuity related to fraud prevention and supply chain integrity.
• Serve as a member of the Food Safety Team, supporting food safety plan reanalysis, hazard evaluations, verification activities, deviations, corrective actions, and preventive measures.
• Assist in the review and maintenance of food safety and quality management systems to ensure compliance with SQF, regulatory, customer, and certification requirements.
• Support employee training programs related to food safety, quality systems, prerequisite programs, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Knowledge of GMPs and Food Safety a plus
• 1 year or more in a manufacturing environment or some type of agricultural experience preferred

Skills and Capabilities:

• Willingness to learn new things and help others.
• Writing and understanding written sentences, paragraphs, and directions in work related documents.
• Be able to use effective time management skills and be able to prioritize tasks
• Capable of physical labor
• Capable of wearing PPE; including, but not limited to: hearing, eye, and hand protection

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly, and occasionally more with assistance
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling tools and machinery
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as needed
• Comfortable working in varying temperatures (hot, cold, humid)
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots
• Visual and auditory ability to detect safety hazards and machine malfunctions
• Ability to push, pull, squat, kneel, or twist as needed during shift
• Ability to perform repetitive motions consistently and safely

At PURIS, we’re proud to support our team with a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally. Starting the first of the month after your hire date, you’ll enjoy access to Medical insurance plans starting as low as $31 per paycheck. We also offer dental and vision coverage, as well as free digital health care for all employees. You will also have access to Life and Short-Term Disability insurance covered for you at 100%, along with flexible health and dependent care spending accounts. Planning for your future? PURIS contributes 50% of every dollar you save, up to 6%, toward your retirement plan. Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with 80 hours of PTO accrued annually, 8 paid holidays, and access to a variety of other free resources at your disposal. Join us, and experience the benefits designed with you in mind!

Why Work with Us?

Career Growth: PURIS offers a dynamic work environment where you can develop your skills and advance your career. We are committed to nurturing talent and providing ample opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.

Innovative Environment: You'll have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art engineering and cutting-edge technology. Our dedication to innovation means you'll be part of a forward-thinking team constantly pushing the boundaries of the plant-based food industry.

Strong Values: We uphold integrity and a global vision for the future. Our company culture is built on collaboration, excellence, and a shared commitment to our mission of creating a better food system. This commitment extends to fostering a workplace where safety is paramount in every operation.

Commitment to Sustainability: At PURIS, we are deeply dedicated to creating a sustainable future. Our manufacturing processes are designed to minimize environmental impact and promote regenerative agriculture. By joining our team, you'll contribute to a company that values sustainability and is committed to making a positive impact on the planet.

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any PURIS employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment and therefore become the property of PURIS.