Job Description

Quality Engineer – Raw Materials

Salary: $80,000–$100,000 Location: Decatur, AR; Mishawaka, IN; or Canada Travel: 30–50%

gpac is partnered with a growing international pet food manufacturer seeking a Quality Engineer – Raw Materials to support raw material quality, supplier performance, and laboratory analytical processes across multiple manufacturing facilities.

This position will play an important role in ensuring incoming ingredients meet quality standards and specifications while supporting supplier improvement initiatives and optimizing NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) technology.

The ideal candidate will have an educational background in Food Science, Animal Science, Chemistry, or a related field, along with an interest or initial experience in quality, laboratory operations, or raw material evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and analyze incoming raw materials to ensure compliance with established quality standards and specifications.
• Investigate raw material deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Work directly with suppliers and internal teams to resolve raw material quality concerns.
• Monitor supplier performance and participate in supplier qualification and audit activities.
• Support internal sensory evaluation panels to assess raw material quality and consistency.
• Maintain, validate, and optimize NIRS systems, including calibration models, databases, and performance monitoring.
• Analyze laboratory and quality data to identify trends and recommend process improvements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to raw material quality and analytical methods.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and testing methods remain accurate, reliable, and aligned with company standards.
• Collaborate with Quality, R&D, Procurement, and Operations teams to support consistent ingredient quality across manufacturing facilities.
• Travel between company facilities and suppliers as needed to support quality initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Initial experience in quality, laboratory operations, raw material management, or a similar technical environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Understanding of quality control processes and raw material specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects from start to finish.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel approximately 30–50%.

What the Company Offers

• Competitive salary of $80,000–$100,000, depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Hands-on training in raw materials, analytical methods, and NIRS technology.
• Opportunity to work within a growing international pet food manufacturing organization.
• Significant responsibility and exposure to cross-functional quality initiatives.
• Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Thisglobal private-label pet food manufacturer with over 30 years of industry experience and a network of manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe.

The company specializes in producing high-quality dry pet food, wet pet food, and treats, with recipes developed in-house and tailored to customer needs.

The company prides itself on entrepreneurship, teamwork, flexibility, and a hands-on culture. Its employees are passionate about producing quality products and building long-term partnerships.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, APPLY TODAY for immediate consideration or reach out directly to Chelsea at Chelsea.barros@gogpac.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.