Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer

Izzio Artisan Bakery is America's #1 Sourdough Artisan Bakery. We are spotlighting the innovation in our market, making us the fastest growing brand. At Izzio we are focused on providing our customers with great breads created using traditional methods and the best possible ingredients. Our people are a major part of our process and success.

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer supports the Quality Manager in managing, maintaining, and improving quality and food safety at a sourdough manufacturing facility. This role has a strong focus on customer and consumer complaints management, data-driven quality improvement, and analysis and trending of quality KPIs, while applying engineering and scientific principles to ensure finished product performance. Serves as a key technical partner to Operations, driving preventive actions, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as primary technical and operational support to the Plant Quality Manager for quality systems execution and daily plant quality activities
• Assist with program ownership, verification, and continuous improvement of site food safety and quality systems
• Provide analytical support for management review, customer communications, and audit readiness
• Act as quality leadership support during investigations, escalations, or Quality Manager absence, as assigned

Customer & Consumer Complaints Management

• Own and manage the customer and consumer complaints process for the facility
• Lead thorough investigations into complaints related to product quality/food safety including sensory, packaging, mold, and foreign material
• Perform root cause analysis and develop effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Partner with Operations, Sanitation, and Supply Chain to address systemic issues
• Prepare professional, data-driven customer response documentation in collaboration with the Quality Manager
• Trend complaint data to identify recurring issues and prioritize improvement opportunities

Quality KPIs, Data Analysis & Trending

• Develop, monitor, and maintain quality KPIs, including (but not limited to): Customer and consumer complaints, Internal defects and rework, Hold and release performance, Audit findings and CAPA effectiveness
• Perform trend analysis and statistical evaluation (SPC where applicable) to identify emerging risks
• Translate data into actionable insights for plant leadership and cross-functional teams
• Support preparation of dashboards and reports for daily management, monthly reviews, and corporate reporting

Quality Improvement Project Leadership

• Lead quality improvement projects aligned with plant and company objectives
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA, A3, DMAIC)
• Drive cross-functional participation to reduce defects, variation, waste, and customer complaints
• Validate effectiveness and sustainability of corrective actions through follow-up monitoring

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Support development, maintenance, and verification of the site Food Safety Plan in compliance with FSMA Preventive Controls (21 CFR 117)
• Assist in managing HACCP / Preventive Control programs, with emphasis on: Fermentation time, temperature, and pH controls, Sanitation and environmental programs
• Support regulatory inspections and GFSI audits (SQF) including corrective action follow-up

Training & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support training of plant personnel on quality procedures, GMPs, and complaint prevention
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Sanitation, Maintenance, R&D, and Supply Chain
• Promote a proactive quality and food safety culture

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science, food engineering, microbiology, chemical engineering, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in food manufacturing quality or food safety
• Experience managing or supporting customer/consumer complaints and investigations
• Strong data analysis, technical writing, and root-cause problem-solving skills
• Working knowledge of FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and GFSI standards
• Must maintain regular, consistent attendance & punctuality. Must have a flexible schedule, that includes evenings and weekends (Saturday and Sunday)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fermented, sourdough, or yeast-based products
• PCQI and/or HACCP certification
• Experience using SPC or quality data visualization tools
• Bakery or dough-based manufacturing experience

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Customer-focused mindset with attention to detail
• Ability to lead improvement initiatives without direct authority
• Clear, confident communicator with technical credibility
• Organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple investigations simultaneously

Position Information:

Reports to: QA Manager

Location: Thornton

Compensation Range: $75,000-$85,000

Closing Date: 07/13/2026

Compensation is based on the level of experience, other relevant experience, and requirements of the position. The range provided serves only as a guideline and does not automatically qualify all candidates (internal or external) for the high end of the range.

At izzio, we believe great work starts with happy, supported people. That's why we offer a comprehensive and thoughtful benefits package designed to help you thrive inside and outside of work. From competitive pay to career growth opportunities, we're committed to supporting you.

Our Benefits Include:

• Compensation : Competitive base salaries (commensurate with experience) and other recognition dependent upon role.
• Health & Wellbeing : Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options to keep you and your family covered.
• Financial Security: 401(k) with company match.
• Work-Life Balance : Paid time off, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Growth & Development : We are committed to the growth of our employees by providing ongoing training, professional development opportunities, and pathways to advance your career.
• Breadquarters Perks: Weekly take-home bread, because real sourdough bread is part of your life, not just your job. You'll also enjoy the occasional team meal, first tastes of our innovation, and coffee is provided at the office.
• Recognition: izzio encourages a recognition culture and offers opportunities to recognize peers via our Employee Portal Recognition & Rewards.

At izzio, you're more than just an employee, you're a key ingredient in our success. We value craftsmanship, teamwork, and innovation, and we're proud to create breads that bring joy to our customers every day. When you join our team, you become part of a community that respects your contributions, supports your growth, and celebrates the art of baking together.