Quality Engineer

Novonesis; Franklinton (NC); On-site; USD 74,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) up to 9% company contribution

Vacation + holidays + Wellness Time

Health, Dental, Vision & Life

HSA option with employer contribution

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Benefits from day one

Job summary

Novonesis, based in Franklinton, NC, is seeking a Quality Engineer to drive manufacturing quality systems, food safety programs, and continuous improvement in a biotechnology production environment. This early‑career role offers hands‑on experience translating data into actionable insights using Lean, statistics, and AI‑enabled solutions.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve deviations and implement CAPA, GMP, and HACCP initiatives while growing expertise in AI tools and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a biotechnical field.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Interest in manufacturing, quality systems, and continuous improvement.
• Curiosity to learn AI tools, automation concepts, and data‑driven decision making.
• Comfort working in a production environment.

Responsibilities

• Champion hygiene and a food safety culture.
• Lead capital investment projects across Production.
• Partner with production, engineering, maintenance, and labs to resolve deviations.
• Analyze process and quality data to identify trends.
• Lead root cause investigations (5 Whys, Fishbone, DMAIC, CAPA).
• Strengthen GMP, HACCP, and food safety systems.
• Apply digital and AI-enabled tools to improve performance.
• Communicate insights to site leadership.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Manufacturing interest

AI tools curiosity

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in engineering or biotech

Tools

Power BI

Python

SQL

JMP

Minitab

Job description

Interested in a career that matters? The time for biosolutions is now. At Novonesis, we’re redefining what’s possible with biology—transforming global challenges into sustainable solutions that improve everyday life. Our work spans food and beverages, human health, agriculture, household care, and industrial innovation.

Quality and food safety are at the heart of everything we do. Our manufacturing teams play a critical role in delivering safe, innovative, and high-quality biosolutions that customers trust around the world. In this role, you’ll join a collaborative environment where quality, innovation, and continuous improvement drive real impact on global operations and sustainability.

The Role & Your Impact

As a Quality Engineer, you will drive manufacturing quality systems, food safety programs, and continuous improvement initiatives within a biotechnology production environment. This is an early‑career opportunity to build technical expertise while contributing to operational excellence and problem‑solving across cross‑functional teams. You will translate manufacturing data into actionable insights using Lean principles, statistical tools, and AI‑enabled solutions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Champion hygiene and a food safety culture while supporting global standards
• Lead and support capital investment projects across Production using hygienic design principles
• Partner with production, engineering, maintenance, and laboratory teams to resolve deviations, non‑conformances, and customer complaints
• Analyze process and quality data to identify trends to drive process improvements
• Lead root cause investigations (5 Whys, Fishbone, DMAIC, CAPA)
• Strengthen food safety and quality systems, GMP compliance, and HACCP programs
• Apply digital and AI‑enabled tools to improve performance and decision‑making
• Communicate insights and recommendations to site leadership

What You’ll Need To Be Successful

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a biotechnical field
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated interest in manufacturing, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Curiosity and willingness to learn AI tools, automation concepts, and data‑driven decision‑making
• A high level of comfort, adaptability, and commitment to working in a production environment.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• Experience (internship, co‑op, or research) in food, biotech, or pharma manufacturing or laboratory
• Exposure to fermentation, downstream processing, or supply chain operations
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and process control (e.g., control charts, capability analysis)
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and food safety systems
• Knowledge of FSSC 22000, ISO standards, or similar regulatory frameworks
• Understanding of hygienic design standards (e.g., EHEDG, ASME-BPE)
• Experience with data and analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Python, SQL, JMP, Minitab) and applying AI tools to improve analysis and workflows

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work on innovations that improve everyday life for billions of people globally
• Hands‑on, shop‑floor‑focused role with direct impact on manufacturing operations (not desk‑based)
• Mentorship and exposure to experienced leaders
• Development of skills in AI‑enabled manufacturing and data‑driven decision‑making
• A collaborative and purpose‑driven culture focused on sustainability, innovation, and continuous learning

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

• Close collaboration with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams
• Exposure to cross‑functional and global stakeholders
• Active participation in production environments and problem‑solving activities

Compensation & Benefits

Expected pay range: $74,165-$105,951

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
• Healthcare savings account option with generous employer contribution
• Employee assistance program
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• All benefits begin on your first day

Relevant Information

Application deadline: September 4, 2026

Location: Franklinton, North Carolina (On-site)

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore Other Openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career