Quality Control Engineer

Linah Group; Egypt (PA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Linah Group seeks a QA Inspector to ensure Medjool dates meet quality and export standards across our supplier network. You will inspect batches, document findings, and collaborate with procurement to approve lots for purchase.

You have a degree in agriculture or related field, 2–5 years in quality control, and strong knowledge of post-harvest handling, HACCP, and GlobalG.A.P. Excellent reporting and travel to farms are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, food science, horticulture, or related field.
• 2-5 years experience in quality control, preferably in dates or fresh produce.
• Experience with Medjool dates is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of export quality specifications.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., ISO 22000 is an advantage.
• Excellent inspection and reporting skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to travel frequently to supplier farms.
• Proficiency in Excel and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Inspect Medjool dates before purchase according to quality standards.
• Evaluate fruit maturity, size, color, texture, moisture, and appearance.
• Identify defects including insect damage, disease, fermentation, sunburn, bruising, splitting, dehydration, mold and mechanical damage.
• Classify dates into quality grades.
• Determine acceptance, conditional acceptance or rejection of each lot.
• Coordinate with Procurement on quality decisions before purchase.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports with photos and documentation.
• Monitor harvesting, handling, packaging and transportation at supplier farms.
• Ensure traceability from farm to factory.
• Monitor loading to prevent contamination and damage.
• Collect representative samples for laboratory analysis when required.
• Verify compliance with food safety standards including GAP and certifications.
• Maintain supplier quality records and recommend corrective actions.
• Support supplier development with technical feedback.
• Assist in resolving quality disputes with suppliers.
• Coordinate with Transportation to arrange product logistics.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Inspection skills

Reporting skills

Excel proficiency

Reporting tools

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture/food science/horticulture

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Reporting tools

Job description

Responsibilities

• Inspect Medjool dates before purchase according to the company s quality standards
• Evaluate fruit maturity, size, color, texture, moisture content and overall appearance
• Identify defects including insect damage, disease, fermentation, sunburn, bruising, splitting, dehydration, mold and mechanical damage
• Classify Medjool dates into appropriate quality grades
• Determine acceptance, conditional acceptance or rejection of each lot
• Coordinate with the Procurement Team regarding quality decisions before purchase
• Prepare detailed inspection reports with photos and supporting documentation
• Monitor harvesting, handling, packaging and transportation practices at supplier farms
• Ensure purchased dates maintain traceability from farm to factory
• Monitor loading operations to prevent contamination and physical damage
• Collect representative samples for laboratory analysis when required
• Verify compliance with food safety standards including GAP and other applicable certifications
• Maintain supplier quality performance records and recommend corrective actions
• Support supplier development by providing technical feedback to improve product quality
• Assist in resolving quality disputes with suppliers
• Coordinate with the Transportation and Fleet Management Departments to arrange the transportation of the received products

Requirements

• Bachelor s degree in agriculture, Food Science, Horticulture, or a related field.
• 2 5 years of experience in quality control, preferably in dates, fresh produce, or agricultural exports.
• Experience with Medjool dates is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Medjool date quality standards.
• Understanding of post-harvest handling and storage practices.
• Knowledge of export quality specifications.
• Familiarity with food safety systems (HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., ISO 22000 is an advantage).
• Excellent inspection and reporting skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to travel frequently to supplier farms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.