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Usda Food Inspector Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Quality Engineer I

Austin, TX

$71K - $92K/yr

... making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer. Location/Division-Specific ... Conduct pre-pack and post-pack inspections for USDA and other regulated SKUs to verify product ...

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Quality Engineer I

Austin, TX · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

... making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer. Location/Division-Specific ... Conduct pre-pack and post-pack inspections for USDA and other regulated SKUs to verify product ...

Snelling Austin

Meat Cutter / Meat Processor

Austin, TX

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Inspect meat for quality, freshness, and proper texture before and after cutting. * Maintain clean and sanitary work areas in compliance with food safety regulations (USDA, HACCP). * Follow ...

Campbell's

Material Handler II | Nights

Austin, TX

$18.55/hr

Since 1869, we've connected people through food they love. We're proud to be stewards of amazing ... SOPs, GMPs, Safety, PPE, and all rules prescribed by the USDA and FDA Performs other related duties ...

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All JobsUsda Food Inspector JobsUsda Food Inspector Jobs in Austin, TX

Usda Food Inspector information

See Austin, TX salary details

$10.9K

$40.4K

$62.4K

How much do usda food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda food inspector in Austin, TX is $40,426.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $43,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USDA Food Inspector?

USDA Food Inspectors are trained professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. They inspect food processing plants, slaughterhouses, and other facilities to enforce federal regulations and safety standards. Their work helps protect public health by preventing contaminated or unsafe food from reaching consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA Food Inspector?

To thrive as a USDA Food Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, inspection procedures, and public health principles, typically supported by relevant experience or education in food science or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and regulatory documentation is commonly required, and some roles may require specific USDA training or certifications. Strong attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this position. These skills ensure that food products meet safety standards, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges USDA Food Inspectors face in their daily work?

USDA Food Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, ensuring strict adherence to food safety regulations, and effectively communicating with plant management and workers. They must be vigilant in identifying potential hazards and making quick decisions to prevent unsafe food from reaching consumers. The role may also involve working in varying temperatures and standing for long periods, which requires adaptability and attention to detail. Strong teamwork and clear documentation are essential for maintaining high standards and addressing compliance issues.

What is the difference between Usda Food Inspector vs Food Safety Auditor?

AspectUsda Food InspectorFood Safety Auditor
CertificationsFood Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) certifications, possibly HACCPISO 22000, HACCP, or other food safety standards
Work EnvironmentInspecting meat, poultry, and processed foods at processing plantsAuditing food facilities for compliance, often off-site or at multiple locations
Employer & IndustryUSDA, government agencies, food processing industryPrivate consulting firms, food companies, regulatory agencies

While both roles focus on food safety, USDA Food Inspectors primarily conduct on-site inspections of food processing facilities to ensure compliance with federal standards. Food Safety Auditors evaluate and verify food safety management systems through audits, often working across multiple sites. Both roles require knowledge of food safety regulations but differ in their scope and work environment.

How hard is it to be a USDA Food Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Food Inspector requires passing a competitive exam, meeting education and experience requirements, and often completing training programs. The job involves detailed inspections, adherence to safety standards, and sometimes working in challenging environments, but it is generally accessible to those with relevant qualifications and attention to detail.

How long does it take to become a USDA Food Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Food Inspector typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as food science, agriculture, or biology, which takes about four years. Afterward, candidates usually undergo specialized training provided by the USDA, which can last several weeks to months, depending on the program and the specific inspection area.

How to become a USDA Food Inspector?

To become a USDA Food Inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience, and must pass a written exam and a background check. Additional qualifications may include knowledge of food safety standards, inspection procedures, and sometimes specialized training or certifications. The USDA also offers training programs for new inspectors to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Usda Food Inspector jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Usda Food Inspector job openings:

Usda Food Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Food Inspector job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,426 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Quality Engineer I

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Austin, TX

$71K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 428 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

174th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Warehouse

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
 

Location/Division-Specific Information:

Austin, TX. Relocation assistance is NOT provided. 

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

*Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screen.

Discover Impactful Work:

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll join a quality assurance team focused on ensuring consistent execution of quality standards and regulatory compliance. You'll play a vital role in enabling our customers to make breakthrough discoveries and innovations that make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. You'll ensure product quality, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain the highest standards of quality and compliance in a GMP environment.

A Day in the Life:

  • Perform incoming inspection of raw materials, components, and finished goods to ensure compliance with established quality standards and specifications.
  • Review and approve manufacturing batch records (batch binders) for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with cGMP, USDA, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct pre-pack and post-pack inspections for USDA and other regulated SKUs to verify product quality, labeling, and packaging compliance.
  • Coordinate Nonconforming Material (NCM) and deviation records related to assigned quality activities, ensuring timely documentation, investigation, and resolution.
  • Support quality investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA activities to address nonconformances and drive continuous improvement.
  • Maintain accurate quality documentation in accordance with Quality Management System (QMS) requirements and applicable regulations.
  • Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Warehouse, Engineering, and Regulatory teams to resolve quality issues and support product release.
  • Participate in internal audits, regulatory inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen quality systems and ensure compliance.
  • Perform other quality-related duties as assigned.

Keys to Success:

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree required; no prior experience required. Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, food manufacturing, or other regulated industries preferred.
  • Preferred fields of study: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Engineering, or related scientific/technical discipline.
  • Working knowledge of cGMP, ISO 13485/9001, and quality system requirements; USDA-regulated manufacturing experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with quality processes including incoming inspection, batch record review, nonconforming materials (NCM), deviations, CAPA, and SOPs.
  • Experience with quality management systems (e.g., TrackWise, SAP) and Microsoft Office applications preferred.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
  • May require up to 10% travel.
  • Must be able to work in controlled manufacturing environments while wearing required PPE.

Benefits:

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!

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