Associate Quality Investigator
About The Position
The Associate Quality Investigator (AQI) conducts technical investigations, root-cause analyses, and deviation management across food and dietary supplement operations. The role supports compliance with FDA regulations, good manufacturing practices (GMPs), food safety protocols, and industry best practices while working cross-functionally to improve quality systems and product release processes. The position is responsible for investigating quality issues across manufacturing, packaging, and quality operations; developing corrective and preventive actions; analyzing quality data and customer complaints; and supporting food safety, GMP, audit, change-control, qualification, and product-launch activities. The AQI also coordinates with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and laboratories, and contributes to training and continuous improvement. The estimated starting annual base salary is $56,360.34–$84,540.51, paid biweekly. The role is eligible for a discretionary variable annual incentive based on Company performance. Eligible full-time employees currently receive medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k) with employer matching contributions, life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and paid sick leave in accordance with applicable law. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and may be modified by the Company.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in food science, engineering, or a related field, or a commensurate combination of education and work experience in a Quality Control or Quality Assurance role.
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance methodologies, tools, and processes.
- Proficiency in root-cause analysis (RCA) and corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Strong communication, organization, and prioritization skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, team-oriented, changing manufacturing environment.
- Ability to apply critical thinking to problem solving; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form; and work with abstract and concrete variables.
- Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, plane and solid geometry, and trigonometry, and apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in engineering or a related field.
- Professional quality control or quality assurance investigations or engineering experience in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food, or medical device industry.
- Experience working with FDA drug regulations.
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and/or Lean Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as Minitab.
Responsibilities
- Lead and conduct investigations, deviations, and root-cause analyses across manufacturing, packaging, and quality operations.
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to resolve nonconformities and prevent recurrence.
- Analyze and trend quality data, including complaints, out-of-specification results, batch records, and environmental monitoring, to identify patterns and risks.
- Collaborate with Operations, Research & Development, Engineering, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to support product and process improvements.
- Manage the intake, tracking, and closure of customer complaints, ensuring timely, accurate, and thorough documentation.
- Coordinate with external and contract manufacturers, suppliers, and third-party laboratories for investigations, testing, and quality expectations.
- Support and maintain food safety and GMP compliance programs, including HACCP, food safety plans, and sanitation validation.
- Participate in change control, product qualification, and new product launch processes from a quality perspective.
- Use the RAPID method and other lean and quality methodologies to make investigations faster and more efficient.
- Support audits, inspections, and certification processes by preparing documentation and responding to findings.
- Provide training, guidance, and knowledge-sharing on investigation practices, complaint handling, and SOP compliance.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and standardization of investigation and complaint processes.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer matching contributions
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid sick leave
- Discretionary variable annual incentive based on Company performance
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
