Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Sandra Vargas

Fairfield

Summary

Results-driven Quality Assurance Technician with extensive experience in the Food Industry, specializing in sensory evaluation and quality control. Proven ability to enhance processes and implement system improvements while effectively managing inventory. Skilled in decision-making and human error prevention, ensuring compliance with food safety standards and product specifications.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Quality Assurance Tec 2 / R&D Tec 2 Technician

Ripple Foods
10.2021 - 02.2025
  • Monitored consumer complaints and coordinated with the Consumer Response Team.
  • Conducted weekly sensory evaluations and pour tests to ensure product stability.
  • Released finished products based on the COA and internal specifications, while maintaining inventory and managing pea protein screening.
  • Troubleshot issues affecting in-market product performance through sample analysis and testing.
  • Managed protein and finished product inventory, including pea protein lots and quality retains.
  • Supported finished products, formula, and packaging changes for growth in alternate channels.
  • Contributed to system improvements and process enhancements.
  • Conducted food safety reviews and security improvements in quality control processes.
  • COA and Raw Analytical Data: Reviewed certificates of analysis and raw analytical data to ensure product quality.
  • Weekly Lot Pouring and Protein Lot Database: Managed weekly lot pouring, and maintained a database of protein lots used.
  • Inventory of Finished Goods: Oversaw the inventory of finished goods and reference samples.
  • Batch IDs: Assigned to each batch for tracking and traceability.
  • Batch Codes: Identified and traced food products through batch codes.
  • Batch Tracking: Monitored each group of products produced or received simultaneously for consistency and quality.
  • DTC Tracking: Work with Regulatory Compliance team to maintain Compliance Release Schedule.
  • Completes DTC brand and product registration maintenance in alignment with company policy and earliest release dates with the ability to be flexible should certain timelines need to be changed.

Quality Assurance Lab Technician

Treasury Wine Estates
02.2016 - 10.2021
  • Conducted multiple packaging audits to ensure quality specifications by comparing against PPS and other data sources.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with production, quality managers, and technical services to resolve issues and disposition inventory as needed.
  • Maintained JDE records for bulk wine quality analysis.
  • Oversaw quality tests for liquid specifications to ensure compliance.
  • Performed chemical analyses including ALC, FSO2, TSO2, CO2, DO2, NTU, BDEC enzymatic RS, pH, conductivity, ML, and acetic acid.
  • Ensured liquid quality specifications were met through taste and sensory tests.
  • Implemented system improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in quality control.
  • Analyzed requirements to refine processes and address human error.

Quality Assurance Lab Supervisor

Crystal Geyser
09.2014 - 02.2016
  • Monitored quality awareness on production lines to ensure GMPs, packaging, and bottling specifications.
  • Led and oversaw the quality assurance team in the supervisor's absence.
  • Collaborated with production and quality managers, and maintained communication with sales representatives.
  • Conducted food safety reviews to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Implemented security improvements in quality control processes.

Quality Assurance Lab Technician

Frank-Lin Distillers
02.2012 - 09.2014
  • Implemented and monitored quality awareness on production lines to ensure compliance with packaging specifications, GMPs, and bottling standards.
  • Provided quality lab support and training to enhance awareness throughout the plant.
  • Conducted spirit tastings and evaluations, recommending treatments and blending changes.
  • Supervised processes involved in delivering spirits from raw materials to the bottle.
  • Analyzed requirements for process enhancements and system improvements.
  • Supported human error prevention initiatives and conducted food safety reviews.
  • Contributed to design evaluations and security improvements in the quality assurance process.

Machine Operator

Treasury Wine Estates
08.2008 - 08.2012
  • Operated production line machines including labeler, filler, case erector, and case packer.
  • Identified and resolved mechanical issues during production runs, collaborating with maintenance for repairs.
  • Managed quality testing during production to ensure compliance with standards.
  • Performed JDE and Infinity system data entry and paperwork.
  • Attended weekly team meetings and traveled out of state for quality inspections at remote warehouse locations.
  • Contributed to process enhancements and design evaluation to improve production efficiency.

Production Line Lead

Frank-Lin Distillers
10.2011 - 02.2012
  • Led a team in daily bottling processes and operations.
  • Collaborated with the production supervisor to improve efficiency and adapt to production demands.
  • Assisted in developing and implementing product awareness and safety programs.
  • Conducted design evaluations to refine production processes.

Education

High School Diploma -

Fairfield Suisun City Adult School
Fairfield, CA

Certification of Completion -

Microsoft Office and Keyboarding

OI Glass Certification -

Fairfield Suisun City Adult School
Fairfield, CA

Skills

  • Intermediate Microsoft Office
  • ERP Systems (JDE, Wards, Infinity)
  • RED JADE Program
  • Pre-production Packet Review and Validation
  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Issue Identification and Resolution
  • Collaboration skills
  • System Improvements
  • Process Enhancements
  • Design Evaluation
  • Food Safety Reviews
  • Security Improvements
  • Requirements Analysis
  • Quality control
  • Sensory evaluation
  • Batch tracking

Languages

Spanish
Professional

Timeline

Quality Assurance Tec 2 / R&D Tec 2 Technician

Ripple Foods
10.2021 - 02.2025

Quality Assurance Lab Technician

Treasury Wine Estates
02.2016 - 10.2021

Quality Assurance Lab Supervisor

Crystal Geyser
09.2014 - 02.2016

Quality Assurance Lab Technician

Frank-Lin Distillers
02.2012 - 09.2014

Production Line Lead

Frank-Lin Distillers
10.2011 - 02.2012

Machine Operator

Treasury Wine Estates
08.2008 - 08.2012

High School Diploma -

Fairfield Suisun City Adult School

Certification of Completion -

Microsoft Office and Keyboarding

OI Glass Certification -

Fairfield Suisun City Adult School
Sandra Vargas