Food Safety & Quality Assurance Technologist

Sfdbrands; Denison (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Smithfield Be Well program

Tuition assistance via Guild

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Food Safety & Quality Assurance professional to monitor product quality from start to finish, enforce HACCP, and ensure USDA compliance. You will work closely with production teams to identify issues, drive corrective actions, and support training programs.

The role focuses on sanitation, GMPs, data recording, and communicating quality issues; relocation not required, but plant safety and continuous improvement are emphasized.

Qualifications

• GED or high school diploma required; English reading/writing essential.
• Knowledge of QA principles, meat processing and USDA regs.
• Ability to create and interpret technical documents and reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine inspections (process, metal detection, cooking, chilling) to verify quality.
• Identify out-of-spec products and coordinate corrective actions.
• Drive continuous quality improvement and train staff.
• Develop and enforce HACCP programs and monitor critical control points.
• Ensure USDA regulatory compliance and document sanitation checks.

Skills

Quality assurance principles

Food science

Meat processing

USDA regulations

Data analysis

Monitoring equipment

Office software

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. As part of our Food Safety & Quality Assurance team, you will play an important role in ensuring our products meet the highest standards. You will perform routine sanitation checks, enforce HACCP and USDA regulations, and use your technical expertise to track products from start to finish — identifying issues and driving corrective actions when needed. You will be responsible for monitoring quality in your area, from grading products and documenting results to overseeing sanitation, temperatures, GMPs, and more. Working closely with production teams, you’ll help resolve issues, investigate root causes, and improve processes. You’ll also support quality programs through training and performance assessment. Your attention to detail ensures our brands — from Smithfield to Nathan’s Famous — are delivered safely and with confidence.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Quality Verification: You conduct routine inspections — including process, metal detection, cooking, and chilling — to ensure products meet all quality standards. You identify and act on out-of-spec products, interpret customer specs, and collaborate with teams to correct issues quickly.
• Quality Improvement: You drive continuous improvement by addressing deficiencies, identifying root causes of failures, and supporting QA programs. This includes training, spec reviews, and collaborating on initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce waste.
• Food Safety & HACCP Compliance: You help develop and enforce HACCP programs, monitor critical control points, and ensure food safety protocols are followed throughout the production process.
• Regulatory & Sanitation Oversight: You ensure USDA regulatory requirements are met, assist with food safety documentation updates, and perform pre-op sanitation checks — following up to guarantee proper cleaning and sampling procedures.
• Communication & Training: You report food safety issues, recommend corrective actions, and support plant training on deficiencies. In the absence of key personnel, you’re prepared to step in or delegate responsibilities as needed.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), required. For internal candidates with 4+ years of experience with the company, the Company has the discretion to waive educational requirements. Must have the ability to complete required forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English. Demonstrates knowledge of quality assurance principles, food science, meat processing, and USDA regulations, ensuring compliance with company and industry standards. Capable of creating, interpreting, and maintaining technical documents, reports, and manuals, with effective written and verbal communication across teams and stakeholders. Experienced in using monitoring equipment, analyzing data, and responding to regulatory or customer inquiries with sound, evidence-based decisions. Proficient in office software and able to interpret and follow instructions in various formats, including written, oral, and visual.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Associate’s degree, preferred Effectively collaborates with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a respectful, approachable, and team-oriented attitude to foster strong working relationships and a positive workplace culture.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Exposed to temperatures ranging from 30 - 80 degrees, working in warm and cold area simultaneously. Frequently required to stand for prolonged times; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

Relocation Package Available

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
• These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• Our company invests in your future.
• We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs.
• Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Headquartered inSmithfield, Virginia,since 1936,Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.