Quality Engineer Raw Materials

United Petfood Group • Mishawaka, IN

6d

About The Position

The Quality Engineer Raw Materials ensures the quality of raw materials used in production and optimizes NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) systems. Working with local Quality and R&D teams, the role evaluates incoming raw materials against established quality standards and specifications, investigates deviations, identifies root causes, and coordinates corrective and preventive actions with suppliers and internal stakeholders. The position also supports sensory evaluations, supplier qualification and audits, and continuous improvement of supplier performance.

The role maintains, validates, and optimizes NIRS systems, including calibration models, databases, and performance monitoring. It analyzes quality and laboratory data to identify trends and recommend improvements to quality control processes and raw material evaluation methods. The Quality Engineer works across Quality, Procurement, Operations, and R&D to support consistent raw material quality and reliable sourcing decisions, and ensures laboratory equipment and analytical methods remain accurate and aligned with company standards.

The position is based at a site in Decatur, Arkansas; Mishawaka, Indiana; or Canada, with work across locations as needed. Approximately 30–50% travel between company sites, suppliers, and other relevant locations is required.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Initial experience in quality, laboratory operations, raw material management, or a related technical environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and data accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities, and manage projects from start to finish.
• Flexibility to work in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders and build working relationships across functions.
• Clear and effective communication skills, including the ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations.
• Comfort with hands-on work and spending significant time at different facilities.
• Willingness to travel approximately 30–50% between company sites, suppliers, and other relevant locations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and analyze incoming raw materials to confirm they meet established quality standards and specifications.
• Investigate raw material deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Support the preparation and coordination of internal sensory evaluation panels.
• Monitor supplier performance and investigate and resolve raw material quality issues.
• Support supplier qualification activities and supplier audits.
• Maintain, validate, and optimize NIRS systems, including calibration models, databases, and performance monitoring.
• Analyze quality and laboratory data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to quality control processes and raw material evaluation methods.
• Collaborate with Quality, Procurement, Operations, and R&D teams to ensure consistent raw material quality and reliable sourcing decisions.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and analytical methods remain accurate, reliable, and aligned with company standards.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program.
• Comprehensive on-the-job training covering raw materials, analytical methods, and NIRS technology.
• Varied role in an ambitious team in a fast-growing international environment.
• Opportunity to take on significant responsibility and contribute to high-quality products and streamlined processes.
• Open, collaborative environment where ideas and initiative can make a difference.
• Support for career growth and ownership over one's development path.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level