Market Quality Assurance Engineer

NatureSweet, Ltd.; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NatureSweet is seeking a Market Quality Assurance Engineer to safeguard quality, food safety, and proper disposition across our distribution network. You will conduct product inspections, manage inventory quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and support continuous improvement with cross-functional teams.

The role requires 2–4 years in QA/food safety, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and bilingual English/Spanish communication.

Qualifications

• Requires 2–4 years of experience in Quality Assurance and Food Safety.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (SQF, PACA, USDA, FDA).
• Experience with fresh produce inspection and post-harvest handling practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Inspect products and set daily inspection priorities to meet quality and food safety specs.
• Perform FDA release inspections and manage related documentation.
• Evaluate product disposition decisions (release, rework, loss, donation, disposal).
• Monitor inventory quality status, holds, age, and traceability records.
• Review rollover inventory and decide next steps based on condition.
• Handle max-age and same-day shipping exception requests.
• Monitor DC storage conditions (temperature, humidity).
• Analyze quality KPIs, rejections, and complaints to drive improvements.
• Support R&D via sample collection, trials, and process improvements.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Food Safety

Bilingual English/Spanish

Analytical Skills

Statistical Analysis

Communication

Regulatory Knowledge

Inventory & Traceability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field

Job description

NatureSweet® is the world’s largest controlled-environment agriculture company and the leading branded tomato company in North America. From tomatoes and cucumbers to peppers, our products are grown year-round in greenhouse environments that deliver exceptional flavor, freshness, and consistency.

But we’re more than a produce company. We’re a company committed to transforming the lives of agricultural workers in North America through industry-leading wages, education, wellness, and career development opportunities. Our unique culture and business model have been recognized by publications including Forbes and Harvard Business Review.

We Are Looking for Our Next Market Quality Assurance Engineer

About the Role

The Market Quality Assurance Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, food safety, and proper disposition of NatureSweet products throughout our distribution network. This position is responsible for product inspections, inventory quality management, regulatory compliance, quality reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives that help ensure our customers receive the highest-quality produce. Working closely with distribution centers, operations teams, and cross-functional partners, this role serves as a key decision-maker for product release, disposition, and quality standards compliance.

What You’ll Do

• Inspect products and determine daily inspection priorities to ensure compliance with quality and food safety specifications.
• Perform FDA release inspections and manage related documentation requirements.
• Evaluate and determine product disposition decisions, including release, rework, rejection, donation, or disposal.
• Monitor inventory quality status, holds, product age, and traceability records.
• Review rollover inventory and determine appropriate next steps based on product condition.
• Manage max-age and same-day shipping exception requests.
• Monitor distribution center storage conditions, including temperature and humidity compliance.
• Analyze quality KPIs, customer rejections, and consumer complaints to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support R&D initiatives through sample collection, trial support, and process improvement recommendations.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in Quality Assurance and Food Safety.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and quality standards, including SQF, PACA, USDA, and FDA requirements.
• Experience with fresh produce inspection, shelf-life evaluation, and post-harvest handling practices.
• Understanding inventory control, product traceability, and quality management systems.
• Strong analytical and statistical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate findings clearly and provide actionable recommendations.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience in fresh produce, agriculture, food manufacturing, or distribution environments.
• Proven ability to make sound decisions regarding product disposition and risk assessment.
• Customer-focused mindset with a passion for delivering high-quality products.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple teams and locations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Support executive leaders who are shaping the future of one of North America's most recognized fresh produce brands.
• Join a purpose-driven organization where collaboration, innovation, and people come first.
• Work in a fast‑paced environment where you'll have visibility across multiple business functions and strategic initiatives.
• Be part of a company that believes business success and social responsibility go hand in hand.
• Contribute to a culture recognized nationally for leadership, innovation, and workplace excellence.

Our Hiring Process

• Introductory conversation with Talent Acquisition.
• Interview with hiring manager and HR.
• Executive panel interview with key stakeholders.

At NatureSweet, we are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Please note that NatureSweet will never request payment or financial information at any stage of the recruitment process.