Entry Level Quality Assurance Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Description

At PURIS, we're dedicated to cultivating a better food system and making a positive impact. How do we do it? By transforming high-quality, USA-made pea ingredients and non-GMO soybeans into essential components for a wide range of everyday products. From cereals and snacks to protein beverages, soy milk, tofu, and beyond, our ingredients are powering a healthier future and strengthening our domestic food supply chain. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of an exciting period of expansion and growth. You'll drive strategic initiatives, leverage cutting-edge solutions, and implement new processes that directly support a better food future for people and the planet.

As a Quality Assurance Technician at PURIS you are central to our mission of transforming the global food system through innovation in plant-based nutrition. In aligning with our purpose of "Safe People, Safe Food, Safe Planet," this role ensures that all

our products adhere to the highest standards. This position embodies the essence of PURIS's commitment to providing

a safe, secure, and sustainable food supply, made in the USA, and grounded in over 30 years of non-GMO natural

breeding. By ensuring consistent implementation of FSQR protocols across production operations that support

compliance and continuous improvement, this role contributes significantly to our aspiration of a Plant Strong Planet.

Starting Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour

Pay Frequency: Biweekly

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Work Location: Randolph, MN

The compensation for this role will be based on qualifications, experience, market data, and internal equity. Actual pay may vary due to factors such as location, skills, education, and performance. Pay is determined transparently, using market benchmarks and ensuring internal equity.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

SQF Practitioner: 

Oversee the implementation, review and maintenance of the SQF QMS to meet GFSI standards. Maintain document control, including overseeing the updates and execution to all quality control and

food safety policies and procedures (HACCP, GMP, Sanitation, Pest Control) and assistance in the evaluation of

current and proposed system procedures. Assist with compliance objectives and ensure that targets are achieved.

PCQI Expectation: 

Maintain working knowledge about the Food Safety Plan. Ensure all preventive controls are

validated and verified, with documented evidence demonstrating their effectiveness and ongoing performance.

Review and assess monitoring and verification records to ensure 100% compliance, timely review and proper

disposition of any deviations. Maintain audit-ready records that meet FSMA requirements for accuracy,

completeness, and traceability. Support reanalysis of the Food Safety Plan at least annually or when significant

changes occur (process, product, or hazard).

Test Evaluation and Coordination: 

Review, support and verify the Laboratory Information System (LIMS) by

conducting and evaluating test results against acceptance criteria. Maintain comprehensive logs and/or electronic

files of all test outcomes. Responsible for the FOSS and testing equipment to ensure accuracy in testing outcomes.

Product Release Management: 

Verify product compliance to FSQR standards and coordinate the release of

product within published product release timelines.

COA Generation: 

Generate certificates of analysis for finished products, aligning with customer requirements and

FSQR standards.

FSQR Process Optimization: 

Identify and suggest improvements and implement improvement direct FSQR Team

supported by procedures and systems.

Incident Management: 

Investigate FSQR incidents and support root cause. Lead root cause analysis and corrective

actions for all preventive control failures or out-of-spec results, ensuring 100% documentation, escalation, and

closure within defined timelines.

Compliance and Inspections: 

Conduct internal audits of QMS for FSQR, SQF/GFSI, Organic and customer

compliance using quality approval criteria. Perform site inspections as necessary, communicate findings and

support process optimization development around any nonconformities.

Documentation and Records Maintenance: 

Prioritize customer specification requests, support questionnaire

completion and documentation requests. Organize and maintain essential documents and records, including

keeping current records of Quality Document statements, supplier & customer questionnaires and supplier quality

information. 

Cross-functional Collaboration: 

Influence and demonstrate ownership and accountability for the FSQR System and processes. Act as a self-starter who proactively identifies gaps, lead by example that drives continuous improvement implementing sustainable solutions. Champion food safety culture by ensuring standards are not only met, but continuously strengthened. Engage with quality, engineering, operations, sales and warehouse teams to address quality concerns, and drive FSQR process optimization across all product lines. 

Food Safety Team Development: 

Be an active member of the Food Safety Team and gain knowledge around critical Food Safety Systems. 

Supporting PURIS' marketing & business development: 

Quality Assurance Technician will support the sales and operations team by assisting with customer samples. Executing the preparation of samples aimed at closing new business development leads as well as current customers for the purpose of achieving variety approvals

Requirements

• 1-2 years of experience in related field is desirable
• Proficient in Microsoft Office platforms (Excel, Word, Loop, Sharepoint, etc. )
• PCQI Certified or obtainable in about 6 months
• HACCP Certified or obtained in 6 months of hire
• SQF Practitioner or obtained in 6 months of hire

Benefits:

At PURIS, we're proud to support our team with a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally. Starting the first of the month after your hire date, you'll enjoy access to Medical insurance plans starting as low as $31 per paycheck. We also offer dental and vision coverage, as well as free digital health care for all employees. You will also have access to Life and Short-Term Disability insurance covered for you at 100%, along with flexible health and dependent care spending accounts. Planning for your future? PURIS offers a 401(k) plan with a company contribution of 3.5% when you contribute up to 6% toward your retirement plan. Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with 80 hours of PTO accrued annually, 8 paid holidays, and access to a variety of other free resources at your disposal. Join us and experience the benefits designed with you in mind!

Why Work with Us?

Career Growth: PURIS offers a dynamic work environment where you can develop your skills and advance your career. We are committed to nurturing talent and providing ample opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.

Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance, including on-demand pay, and telehealth services.

Innovative Environment: You'll have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art engineering and cutting-edge technology. Our dedication to innovation means you'll be part of a forward-thinking team constantly pushing the boundaries of the plant-based food industry.

Strong Values: We uphold integrity and a global vision for the future. Our company culture is built on collaboration, excellence, and a shared commitment to our mission of creating a better food system. This commitment extends to fostering a workplace where safety is paramount in every operation.

Commitment to Sustainability: At PURIS, we are deeply dedicated to creating a sustainable future. Our manufacturing processes are designed to minimize environmental impact and promote regenerative agriculture. By joining our team, you'll contribute to a company that values sustainability and is committed to making a positive impact on the planet.

Join Our Team:

To apply for the role, visit www.puris.com/careers. PURIS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The hiring process includes successfully completing a background check, and drug screen. We E-verify all new hires. 

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any PURIS employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment and therefore become the property of PURIS.