Quality Improvement Engineer

IFF; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IFF is seeking a Quality Improvement Engineer with a strong microbiology background to strengthen our Quality Management System and transform microbiological data into proactive, risk-based decision making. This role bridges Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and Engineering to improve product safety, compliance, and operational performance.

You will lead quality system activities, conduct microbiology investigations, support audits, and analyze data to drive improvements across

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience with CAPA, deviations, investigations, and change control.
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Experience in dairy, food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality system activities including deviations, CAPA, change control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct investigations into microbiological and quality-related issues and ensure effective corrective actions.
• Support audit readiness and serve as a microbiology SME during audits.
• Analyze microbiological, process, and quality data to identify trends and risks.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and QC teams.
• Utilize root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.

Skills

Quality systems leadership

CAPA investigations

Root cause analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field

Job description

Job Summary

Disseminate and promote quality standards according to country and international standards. Conduct analysis of finished products, semifinished products, imported raw materials used in the company. Analyze the effectiveness of processes and quality management systems. Ensure the adequacy of relevant procedures and computerized systems in accordance with reference standards and applicable legal requirements. Plan, control, and monitor the corrective actions of quality nonconformity detected in audits. Prepare reports and publish timelines in order to provide feedback and improve the management system through technical support. Comply with certifications regarding the products. Handle certification planning and keep track of certifications in order to meet the market's demands. Promote the training of teams, suppliers, and auditors in the processes and products of the company.

About the Role

Are you passionate about using science, data, and quality systems to drive meaningful improvements in manufacturing and product safety? We are seeking a Quality Improvement Engineer with a strong microbiology background to strengthen our Quality Management System and transform microbiological data into proactive, risk-based decision making. This role serves as a critical link between Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and Engineering to improve product safety, compliance, and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead quality system activities including deviations, CAPA, change control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct investigations into microbiological and quality-related issues and ensure effective corrective actions.
• Support audit readiness and serve as a microbiology SME during audits.
• Analyze microbiological, process, and quality data to identify trends and risks.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and QC teams.
• Utilize root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Combines microbiology expertise with quality systems leadership.
• Directly influences product safety, contamination prevention, and regulatory compliance.
• Transforms laboratory data into proactive quality improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biological Sciences, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience with CAPA, deviations, investigations, and change control.
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Experience in dairy, food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology manufacturing preferred.

Success in This Role

• Reduce recurring microbiological and quality issues.
• Improve trend analysis and risk identification capabilities.
• Strengthen audit readiness and compliance performance.

Why Join Us

• Make a direct impact on product safety and quality culture.
• Gain broad exposure across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and leadership.
• Grow your career while driving meaningful business improvements.

About the Company

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.