Senior QA Auditor / Microbiologist

Ventura Foods

Senior QA Auditor/Microbiologist conducting microbiological testing and HACCP oversight for Ventura Foods’ manufactured food products. Supporting audits, sanitation, regulatory compliance, and food safety programs.

Posted 8/18/2026full-timeWaukesha • Wisconsin • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in microbiological analysis and HACCP principles, ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal quality standards. Proficient in conducting inspections, training, and maintaining laboratory safety practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Microbiological AnalysisHACCP CoordinationLaboratory Safety PracticesQuality Assurance ComplianceEnvironmental Testing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Microbiological TestingQuantitative AnalysisPathogen IdentificationStatistical AnalysisMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft VisioLaboratory MethodsFood Science PrinciplesBasic Algebra

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTime ManagementAbility to Work IndependentlyPhysical StaminaAdaptability

Industry Keywords

HACCP PrinciplesQuality AssuranceFood SafetyRegulatory ComplianceEnvironmental SwabsRaw Material SpecificationsSanitation ProceduresFirst-Party AuditsSecond-Party AuditsThird-Party Audits

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct microbiological analysis on raw ingredients and finished products to determine compliance with specifications
Follow up with first-line action steps, including product holds and vendor contacts
Conduct pre-operation inspections and tests to assess processing-area sanitation
Monitor cleaning and sanitation activities for compliance with established procedures
Make or execute recommendations for remedial action based on analysis
Conduct microbiological analysis of finished products and environmental swabs for other locations
Convey environmental results to the VP of Quality Assurance
Ensure HQ QA Policy compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal requirements
Maintain readiness for and participate in first-, second-, and third-party audits
Serve as plant HACCP Coordinator and manage the HACCP team
Conduct annual HACCP team training, recording, reporting, and program reviews
Ensure certificates of analysis and incoming raw materials and packaging meet specifications and Kosher compliance
Perform other duties assigned by the QA Manager

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, or related scientific discipline, or equivalent experience
1–5 years of experience in a related position
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
Ability to use time efficiently and work with minimal supervision
Basic understanding of microbiological analysis and testing
Basic understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Visio
Understanding of rudimentary algebraic equations and basic mathematical statistics
Knowledge of laboratory safe practices for handling equipment, chemicals, and glassware
Knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures for quantitative analysis of microorganisms in food, water samples, and environmental specimens
Knowledge of methods and procedures used to identify pathogenic organisms in water, environmental specimens, and food products
Knowledge of basic microbiology principles
Knowledge of HACCP principles
Ability and willingness to wear required personal protective equipment
Ability to meet physical demands, including intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling
Occasional lifting or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may be required
Willingness and ability to work typical 8–12 hour shifts, with possible unscheduled after-hours and weekend work
Ability to work in conditions involving heat, cold, humidity, vibrations, chemicals, fumes, food allergens, confined spaces, dark spaces, and heights exceeding 18 feet, where applicable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees
Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)
Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays
Employee Appreciation Events
Employee Assistance Programs
Career growth opportunities
Training
Safe work environment
Competitive compensation
Diversity and inclusion environment