Quality Assurance Specialist (R&D)
At Rizo Lopez Foods, we produce award-winning dairy products rooted in family tradition and innovation. We're looking for a detail-driven, quality-focused QA Specialist to help ensure our products meet the highest food safety and compliance standards.
About the Role
The QA Specialist plays a critical part in keeping our food safety programs strong, audit-ready, and responsive to regulatory change. You'll work cross-functionally with teams across operations, supply chain, and quality to address non-conformances, support audits, and continuously improve our systems and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
Act as liaison for audits including SQF, Kosher, Organic, and other certifications
Manage the Material Complaint Program, placing holds on defective materials and collaborating on resolutions
Support traceability and shelf-life verification of incoming ingredients
Respond to customer complaints and product issues, investigating root causes
Assist with internal and regulatory audits (CDFA, FDA, SQF, etc.)
Promote a strong food safety culture and help develop training programs
Keep QA documentation accurate and audit-ready at all times
What the Ideal Candidate Has
Required: High school diploma or GED, plus experience in cultured or pasteurized product manufacturing
Preferred: Associate's or higher in Food Science, Microbiology, or Quality
3-5 years of QA/food safety experience in the food manufacturing industry
Familiarity with CDFA, FDA, and FSMA regulations
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and manufacturing documentation systems
PCQI certification within 90 days of hire ( Company provides)
SQF certification within 160 days of hire (Company provides)
Schedule & Environment
Standard schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-hour shifts
Office-based with interaction across lab, warehouse, and production areas
PPE required in production zones
Minimal to no travel required
Why Rizo Lopez Foods?
We're proud of our culture and commitment to high-quality, handcrafted products. As a growing company with deep roots in the Central Valley, you'll join a team that values continuous improvement, employee development, and food safety excellence.
Apply now and help us deliver safe, consistent, and delicious products to customers across the country.
Rizo Lopez Foods is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and high-performance workplace.
