What is a Quality Assurance (QA) Officer?
Summary
The primary job function of a Quality Assurance (QA) Officers is to confirm that products and services delivered by a business meets the customers’ expectations, legal standards, and industry requirements. QA Officers are required to undergo product testing, product inspections, improve quality processes, and manage the quality system across many industry sectors, primarily, manufacturing, food processing, construction, pharmaceuticals, and retail.
They work closely with Safety & Compliance Officers, Maintenance Technicians, Process Workers, and Site Supervisors to ensure that internal policies, safety requirements, and industry standards are met.
Key Responsibilities of a QA Officer
The specific job requirements of a QA Officer can differ depending on the type of industry, equipment, or machinery they work with. Their role also depends on the type/s of products or services they are helping the business bring to the market and sell to customers. In general, the main responsibilities of a QA Officer is to:
- Conduct product tests and inspections to meet defined quality guidelines.
- Make sure that the operations team is meeting industry regulations and safety protocols.
- Document the results collected from mandatory product testing, and highlighting any compliance concerns or product inconsistencies.
- Assist relevant stakeholders with implementing corrective and preventative actions to avoid future quality issues.
- Train and communicate with processing, safety, and operational teams.
How to Get a Job as a QA Officer in Australia
QA Officers typically require a combination of work experience, education, and training to work in Australia.
- Get the Required Education: To work as a QA Officer you will need to obtain a diploma or degree in a related field such as, quality management, engineering, or food technology. Additional academic evidence may also requested; such as an ISO 9001 Certification or HACCP & GMP Training.
- Learn the Key Skills: Gaining industry experience as a trainee or intern is important to understanding the job functions of a QA Officer. Once you have obtained the necessary qualifications and applied your knowledge, you can apply for Quality Assurance or Quality Control opportunities with ease.
- Demonstrate your Soft/Hard Skills: If you can demonstrate a commitment to safety and compliance, have a strong attention to detail, and can effectively analyse and interpret data, you will be successful in this role. A QA Officer may also need to be proficient in using Microsoft Office and business specific reporting systems.
- Search for Job Openings: Consider reaching out to staffing and employment agencies that specialise in filling Manufacturing, Engineering, and Industrial roles.
- Prepare a Well-Structured Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume to the specific role you are applying for. Discuss your relevant experience and list your specialised skills and certifications to support your application.
HACCP & GMP Trained Labour
If you are employed in an industry that requires you to process or manufacture food products, you may be asked to undergo additional training. In the food production sector, HACCP and GMP training is a requirement for workers as it ensures that food safety processes are understood, and quality control standards are followed in accordance with industry standards.
HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points and is a risk management system that focuses on identifying, assessing, and controlling food safety hazards. According to the Australian Institute of Food Safety, HACCP outlines seven key food safety principles that can be applied throughout the food production process to reduce the risk of food contamination or biological risk. Food poisoning can be a massive liability for manufacturers; therefore, food production and quality assurance workers are legally obligated to have HACCP training.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is also a risk management system that describes a set of specific quality standards and industry regulations designed to protect the safety of consumers and staff. GMP trained labour is required across many manufacturing sectors, including food, cosmetics, medicine, or sanitation products.
In Australia, HACCP and GMP training is provided by a long list of Registered Training Organisations (RTO) across the country. Getting the necessary certifications and training is critical if you decide to work in food production, quality assurance, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or medicine.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What qualifications do I need to become a Quality Assurance Officer?
Quality Assurance (QA) Officers typically require a diploma or degree in a related field of study such as, quality/production management, engineering, manufacturing, or food technology.
Additional academic evidence may also requested; such as a ISO 9001 Certification or HACCP & GMP Training.
What skills and qualities will a company search for when they hire a Quality Assurance Officer?
Gaining previous experience and industry-specific knowledge in the manufacturing, food production, or the medical/pharmaceuticals sector is considered highly relevant to hiring managers. Various soft-skills including; attention to detail, time management skills, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities are also important in this role.
What is the average income for a Quality Assurance Officer in Australia?
A Quality Assurance (QA) Officer can expect to earn an annual salary between $60,000-$75,000 depending on the job requirements, location, licences obtained, and the type of industry.
What career development and training opportunities exist for Quality Assurance Officers?
Career-driven QA Officers can advance to more senior roles including; Quality Assurance Manager, Safety and Compliance Manager, Site Manager, or Production Manager. If you are passionate about establishing a career in Quality Assurance or Quality Control, it may also be beneficial to learn how to use AI technology and upskill in engineering to better understand how to use technical systems and support digital processes.
*This is to be used as a guide only and is not a representation of the roles we currently have available.
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