Quality Assurance Intern (Manufacturing)

About the role

An established Australian manufacturer of thermoformed plastic packaging for the food, retail and medical industries is looking for a Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement intern. The internship is based on site in a manufacturing environment in Melbourne, runs for 3 months and involves two days per week. It covers quality management systems, food safety, compliance documentation, internal audits and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining and updating quality management systems and food safety systems, including FSSC 22000 where applicable
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
• Maintain HACCP plans, monitoring records and verification activities, and keep production records and procedures accurate
• Document quality issues, process deviations and improvement opportunities
• Assist with internal audits, GMP audits and workplace quality inspections, and document findings, corrective actions and follow-up
• Review procedures and recommend practical improvements
• Prepare, review and maintain SOPs, work instructions, checklists and quality records
• Coordinate quality documentation, help prepare training materials on quality, hygiene, GMP and procedures, and communicate quality requirements with production and management

Required profile

• Currently studying or recently graduated in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Assurance, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical or Materials Engineering, Polymer Science or a related discipline
• Interest in manufacturing operations, product quality, quality management systems and continuous improvement
• Strong attention to detail, good analytical and problem-solving skills, and effective written and verbal communication
• Willingness to learn about manufacturing processes, quality standards and compliance requirements

Required skills

• Desirable: familiarity with HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000, ISO quality management systems or internal auditing
• Desirable: knowledge of root cause analysis, CAPA, Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement methods
• Desirable: experience preparing SOPs, technical documentation, audit reports or quality records

Applicants apply by submitting a CV with academic background, skills, availability and interest in quality assurance and manufacturing, highlighting any relevant projects, laboratory work or coursework.