Quality Specialist II - 1st Shift

OFD Foods, LLC • Albany, OR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Specialist II role contributes to non-conformance investigations, verifies corrective actions, and supports both internal and external audits. Additionally, the Specialist participates in training production staff on food safety procedures and provides support to developing members of the quality team. The role partners closely with quality subject matter experts and leadership to ensure consistent application of standards and continuous improvement across the facility. Oregon Freeze Dry is a purpose-driven company with six decades of expertise in freeze-drying technology, known for Mountain House meals and advanced lyophilization solutions. The company is headquartered in Albany, Oregon, and is committed to quality, creativity, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Generally, a minimum of two (2) years of experience in food manufacturing with a Bachelor's degree, or additional relevant experience with an Associate’s degree, high school diploma, or equivalent
• Knowledge of food safety, microbiology, quality systems, and food safety standards (HACCP, SQF, GMPs) and apply them in practice.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and make sound judgement calls.
• Detail oriented with ability to identify gaps and inconsistencies.
• Strong communication and report writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Must be comfortable working in cold‑room environments with temperatures below 30°F for periods of up to one hour at a time.
• While a standard shift will generally be assigned, this role requires the flexibility to support operations across multiple shifts in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

• HACCP certification highly preferred
• If not HACCP certified, must have ability to obtain within one year of hire

Responsibilities

• Support quality audits, internal, customer, and regulatory, by providing relevant documentation and clear, accurate explanations as needed.
• Conduct and document thorough pre-operational inspections to verify sanitation effectiveness, clearly communicating any deficiencies to the Manufacturing team.
• Promptly communicate and document quality or food safety concerns to production and quality leadership, and actively participates in investigations related to non-conformances.
• Participate in root cause analysis, and corrective action verification.
• Identify and control non-conforming products.
• Maintain records and databases, including auditing for accuracy.
• Act as the quality resource for onsite government inspectors, providing explanations of policies, retrieving label records and offering support across other inspection related areas.
• Monitor production processes for compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and other food safety programs.
• Verify calibration of designated equipment, thermometers, scales, and testing instruments.
• Enforce plant sanitation, allergen control and other food safety and quality policies during production.
• Assist with training of production staff on quality standards and food safety procedures.
• Guide, mentor, and support to developing QACS staff.
• In the absence of incumbent, the direct supervisor will act as designee.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full-time basis.
• Be responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflect positively on the company and is consistent with the company’s policies and practices.
• Embody OFD’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department and company culture.

Benefits

• Customize your healthcare coverage: including medical, dental, and vision options to fit your needs
• Boost your savings: Choose an FSA or HSA for extra flexibility
• Plan for your future: enroll into our 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting
• Peace of mind: Life and disability insurance to keep you and your loved ones protected
• Furry friends: Pet insurance for your four-legged family members
• Recharge & Refresh: Enjoy paid company holidays, PTO and sick time
• Give back: join us in making a difference with community support opportunities
• Score savings: Unlock exclusive employee discounts and special savings on Mountain House product
• Spread the word: Earn bonuses for referring awesome new team members

What This Job Offers

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