Open Gates Group
Open Gates Group, based near Kalona, IA, is a family of companies dedicated to the growth and manufacturing of local dairy products. We’re seeking a Food Safety Quality Engineer to help us continue raising the standards for food safety and quality.
Position Summary The Food Safety Quality Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing quality and food safety systems that drive continuous improvement across production processes. This role works cross‑functionally with multiple teams to identify and resolve quality‑related issues, ensuring products consistently meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and maintain food safety and quality programs (HACCP, PCQI, GMP, SQF, SOPs, SSOPs).
Ensure compliance with regulatory, GFSI, and customer requirements (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, FDA, USDA Dairy, Organic, and Kosher).
Lead and support internal and external audits, including corrective action and closure of findings.
Investigate food safety concerns, customer complaints, and non‑conformances.
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production, sanitation, and quality processes.
Collect and analyze production and testing data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
Maintain accurate quality documentation, including audit reports, test results, and compliance records.
Partner with production staff and quality teams to strengthen day‑to‑day quality practices.
Develop and deliver training on food safety, GMPs, chemical safety, and quality culture.
Provide technical guidance to ensure product specifications and quality standards are consistently met.
Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 3 years of food safety and quality experience in food manufacturing (dairy preferred).
Proven experience conducting and supporting internal and external audits (FDA, SQF, Organic, Kosher, Dairy inspections).
Strong knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, PCQI, and food safety systems.
Skilled in data analysis, root cause problem solving, and corrective action planning.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams.
Self‑starter with strong organizational and project management skills.
Leadership and team‑building skills with a track record of driving results through cross‑functional collaboration.
Proficiency in Google Suite.
Willingness to continually embrace personal and professional development.
Location: Iowa City, IA. Salary: $100,000.00 – $130,000.00.
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Position Summary The Food Safety Quality Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing quality and food safety systems that drive continuous improvement across production processes. This role works cross‑functionally with multiple teams to identify and resolve quality‑related issues, ensuring products consistently meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and maintain food safety and quality programs (HACCP, PCQI, GMP, SQF, SOPs, SSOPs).
Ensure compliance with regulatory, GFSI, and customer requirements (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, FDA, USDA Dairy, Organic, and Kosher).
Lead and support internal and external audits, including corrective action and closure of findings.
Investigate food safety concerns, customer complaints, and non‑conformances.
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production, sanitation, and quality processes.
Collect and analyze production and testing data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
Maintain accurate quality documentation, including audit reports, test results, and compliance records.
Partner with production staff and quality teams to strengthen day‑to‑day quality practices.
Develop and deliver training on food safety, GMPs, chemical safety, and quality culture.
Provide technical guidance to ensure product specifications and quality standards are consistently met.
Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 3 years of food safety and quality experience in food manufacturing (dairy preferred).
Proven experience conducting and supporting internal and external audits (FDA, SQF, Organic, Kosher, Dairy inspections).
Strong knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, PCQI, and food safety systems.
Skilled in data analysis, root cause problem solving, and corrective action planning.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams.
Self‑starter with strong organizational and project management skills.
Leadership and team‑building skills with a track record of driving results through cross‑functional collaboration.
Proficiency in Google Suite.
Willingness to continually embrace personal and professional development.
Location: Iowa City, IA. Salary: $100,000.00 – $130,000.00.
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