Q&FS and Sensory Technologist

Mars•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

The Q&FS and Sensory Technologist supports factory operations by ensuring quality, food safety, and sensory compliance through the implementation and maintenance of quality management systems (QMS), sensory conformance programs, and related processes. The role maintains the plant's quality compliance infrastructure and ensures finished products and ingredients meet established quality and sensory specifications. The position works across factory operations and is accountable for implementing quality- and sensory-related projects, processes, and programs. It translates recipes into factory systems, maintains recipe governance for Q&FS-related Statistical Process Control (SPC) parameters, and serves as the site liaison to Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) for Packaging Holds, coordinating S-CAPA management, communication, and follow-up. The role oversees sensory evaluation of finished products and ingredients, coordinates sensory panels and online sensory programs, and supports product-quality problem solving. It trains and guides site associates and partners with BU/Global Sensory Scientists on site-specific innovations. Through collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners, the position supports the effectiveness of quality and sensory systems, factory performance, and continuous improvement in product quality and compliance.

Requirements

High school diploma.
2–3 years of experience in a manufacturing setting.
Strong computer skills.
Flexibility to work overtime as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a science-related discipline or a closely related field.
Internship in quality and food safety in a manufacturing environment or one year of technical work experience.
Proficiency in computer-based applications and digital systems; experience with SAP, Nexus, Weever, or similar platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with Factory Operations, Supply, Innovation, and Digital teams to collect, analyze, trend, and report material qualification, material performance, and product quality metrics; identify improvement opportunities and escalate quality trends and concerns.
Serve as the site subject matter expert for translating formulas and recipes into factory operating systems, including SAP Bill of Materials (BOM) creation, Weever management, and change control processes.
Lead site governance and management of SPC for finished product specifications and Key Quality Attributes; monitor and optimize quality-related SPC processes, support system enhancements, and align with Supply requirements.
Support material quality management and incident resolution for raw and packaging materials; serve as site liaison to SQA for Packaging Holds and coordinate communication, S-CAPA activities, and follow-up.
Evaluate and analyze raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products for sensory conformance; investigate and resolve sensory issues, escalate non-conformances, and recommend ingredient and finished product disposition.
Lead site-based Conformance and Online Sensory Programs, including associate recruitment, training, calibration, program execution, and accurate sensory performance records.
Partner with BU/Global Sensory Scientists to implement site-specific innovations and strengthen sensory conformance.
Participate in the Sensory Quality Community of Practice (COP) to share best practices, align ways of working, and drive continuous improvement across MW manufacturing sites.
Coach, train, and guide site associates to strengthen technical capabilities across Quality, Technical Services, and Innovation; support sensory quality assessments and training for co-manufacturing operations.
Participate in Food Safety/HACCP and internal audit teams, conduct internal audits, and support site QMS compliance.
Ensure quality and sensory processes align with established food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Identify and implement improvements through innovation, research, change management, and auditing to improve efficiency, strengthen systems, and deliver sustainable business value.