Quality Engineer

Who are we? Fresca Foods, located in Louisville just outside Boulder, Colorado, is a dynamic force in the natural foods industry where innovation fuels progress and creative ideas transform into future food lifestyles. For over two decades, we have partnered with global CPG companies and visionary entrepreneurs as both a natural foods manufacturing partner and a vertically integrated operator of natural food brands—working together to redefine traditional food categories and revolutionize the food system with a strong focus on safety and excellence. Combining the high-energy spirit of a startup with the stability and opportunity of a larger organization, Fresca Foods is committed to integrity, producing high-quality, sustainable food that promotes joy, well-being, and environmental stewardship. As a leading Boulder County employer and recipient of industry recognition, we are equally dedicated to community service and to creating abundant opportunities for motivated individuals who share our passion for great food and for shaping the future of

As part of our continued growth, Fresca Foods is launching a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility featuring high-speed production lines and advanced automation. With production slated to begin in October, we are actively building our team now—bringing in key talent early to support equipment installation, process development, and operational readiness. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a foundational team, helping shape the systems, culture, and long-term success of a new facility from the ground up. This is a permanent role, designed to grow with the facility and play a critical part in its ongoing success.

Position Overview

The Quality Engineer provides technical leadership and analytical support to continuously improve food safety and quality performance across manufacturing operations. This role partners cross-functionally with Operations, Sanitation, Engineering, and Supply Chain to enhance process capability, ensure regulatory and Quality Management System (QMS) compliance, and strengthen a proactive, data-driven quality culture. In addition, the Quality Engineer provides day-to-day leadership, coaching, and direction to Quality Technicians.

Essential Functions

Quality & Process Engineering

• Provide technical quality leadership to improve manufacturing processes, sanitation systems, and quality programs.
• Apply statistical and analytical tools (SPC, control charts, capability analysis) to monitor process performance and reduce variation.
• Compile, analyze, and communicate quality KPIs; lead data-driven improvement actions.
• Support product and process specification development, validation, and capability studies.
• Support new equipment installations, process changes, and line start-ups from a quality, food safety, and sanitation perspective.

Food Safety & QMS

• Serve as a member of the Food Safety Team; support development, implementation, and maintenance of the Food Safety Plan.
• Support and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS), including development and review of quality and sanitation SOPs.
• Assist with implementation and sustainment of Quality and Food Safety (QFS) programs aligned with regulatory and GFSI requirements.
• Develop and deliver training and mentoring on food safety, quality, and sanitation topics to reinforce a strong quality culture.

Root Cause, CAPA & Issue Resolution

• Investigate quality deviations, nonconformances, and customer complaints using structured root cause analysis methodologies.
• Lead and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) in collaboration with cross-functional teams; verify effectiveness.
• Identify trends and systemic risks to support preventive, risk-based improvements.
• Technician Leadership & Workforce Development
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and coaching to Quality Technicians across assigned shifts or lines.
• Assign work, set priorities, and ensure consistent execution of quality and food safety activities.
• Train and qualify technicians on inspection methods, testing procedures, documentation, and GMP expectations.
• Monitor technician performance; provide feedback and input into performance evaluations.
• Ensure adequate quality coverage and support staffing, onboarding, and scheduling as required.

Audits, Compliance & Documentation

• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits; participate in audits and ensure timely and effective closure of findings.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (FSMA, HACCP), internal standards, and customer expectations.
• Maintain and improve quality documentation, records, and technical standards to support compliance and operational excellence.

Education, Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field
• 3–7 years of experience in food manufacturing or a regulated manufacturing environment
• Experience leading or supervising quality technicians or inspectors
• Working knowledge of HACCP / FSMA Preventive Controls, SPC, and root cause analysis
• Familiarity with GFSI schemes (SQF preferred)
• Preferred: PCQI and HACCP certification
• Preferred: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green Belt, or equivalent

Work Environment: Physical & Mental Requirements

• Able to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Able to work in both hot/warm conditions.
• Comfortable with a moderate noise level.
• Able to work in an environment with peanuts and tree nuts.

Benefits

Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, pet insurance, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, paid holidays, life insurance and short term disability insurance, annual bonus potential

At Fresca, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community. Fresca Foods is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to equal consideration regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. In addition, Fresca Foods is committed to equal pay for equal work. The pay range indicated in this job posting represents the low and high end of the hiring range for this job. Although actual pay may vary and may be above or below this range, generally speaking, offers will typically be made in the bottom half of the listed range. The amount offered will take into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment.

Please, no third party inquiries.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• In a few sentences, please describe your experience in food manufacturing or a regulated manufacturing environment. What was your role(s), and what types of product(s) were manufactured?
• Do you currently reside in Colorado, and is the commute to Louisville feasible given your current location?
• What are your minimum annual salary expectations?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• regulated manufacturing: 3 years (Required)
• leading/supervising quality technicians/inspectors: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• HACCP Certification (Preferred)
• PCQI Certification (Preferred)
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or Six Sigma Green Belt (Preferred)

Work Location: In person