Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer Raw Materials Your role As a Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of raw materials used in our production processes and for optimizing our NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) systems. Working closely with the local Quality & R&D teams, you will help ensure that only high-quality raw materials are selected, analyzed, and approved for use. You will evaluate and analyze incoming raw materials to ensure they meet established quality standards and specifications. You will investigate raw material deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions in collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders. You will support the preparation and coordination of internal sensory evaluation panels, helping assess the quality and consistency of raw materials. You will monitor supplier performance, investigate and resolve raw material quality issues, and support supplier audit activities to drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with quality standards. You will maintain, validate, and optimize NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) systems, including calibration models, databases, and performance monitoring. You will support supplier qualification activities, monitor supplier performance, and participate in supplier audits. You will analyze quality and laboratory data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to quality control processes and raw material evaluation methods. You will work closely with Quality, Procurement, Operations, and R&D teams to ensure consistent raw material quality and reliable sourcing decisions. You will ensure that laboratory equipment and analytical methods remain accurate, reliable, and aligned with company standards. Who you are You hold a Master's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Chemistry, or a related field. You have gained some initial experience in quality, laboratory operations, raw material management, or a related technical environment. You enjoy being hands-on and are eager to learn, explore, and continuously improve. You are comfortable working independently, taking ownership of your responsibilities, and managing projects from start to finish. You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and data accuracy. You are comfortable working in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift and where flexibility is key. You enjoy collaborating with different stakeholders and building strong working relationships across functions. You communicate clearly and effectively and can translate technical findings into practical recommendations. Location & travel expectations You will be based at one of our sites in Decatur, Arkansas; Mishawaka, Indiana ; or Canada , with the flexibility to work across locations as needed. The role requires approximately 30–50% travel between United Petfood sites, suppliers, and other relevant locations to support raw material quality, supplier activities, NIRS systems, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives. Because this is a hands-on, cross-site role, you should be comfortable spending significant time at different facilities and working directly with local Quality, R&D, Operations, and Procurement teams. What we offer you A competitive compensation package aligned with your experience, including a comprehensive benefits program. Comprehensive on-the-job training covering raw materials, analytical methods, and NIRS technology. A highly varied role within an ambitious team in a fast‑growing international environment. The opportunity to take on significant responsibility and contribute to high‑quality products and streamlined processes. An open, collaborative environment where your ideas and initiative make a real difference. A company culture built on entrepreneurship, teamwork, flexibility, and a hands‑on mentality. A company culture built on entrepreneurship, a hands‑on mentality, down‑to‑earth collaboration, and flexibility. We actively…

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