Supplier Packaging Quality Engineer

job purpose: The Supplier Packaging Quality Engineer will be a part of the quality team within fairlife, LLC, actively managing the packaging supplier quality program. This individual will provide comprehensive quality and food safety coordination between functional managers in R&D, packaging engineering, procurement, finance, receiving, warehousing, inventory management, quality assurance, and operations. Additionally, they will develop and implement programs to ensure fairlife complies with GFSI (FSSC 22000), regulatory, and NSF standards for supplier qualification and supplier food safety quality assurance.

responsibilities:

• Support establishment and own maintenance for packaging supplier specifications, ensuring all suppliers and materials are fully qualified and compliant with company and regulatory requirements.
• Lead qualification of new packaging suppliers, including site audits and capability assessments.
• Own supplier quality performance by leveraging plant and supplier data to identify trends, drive improvements, and reduce defects.
• Manage supplier documentation and compliance programs (e.g., GFSI, HACCP, FSMA, GMP, Food Defense, certifications) to ensure audit readiness.
• Investigate non-conforming materials, lead root cause analysis, and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) through to verified effectiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and complaints, and lead cross-functional reviews to escalate risks and drive resolution.
• Support implementation of new packaging materials, ensuring validation against specifications and operational performance requirements.
• Conduct risk-based supplier audits and inspections, with a focus on high-risk materials and food safety vulnerabilities.
• Own packaging-related risk within the HACCP program, including ongoing monitoring of supplier food safety risks and emerging issues.
• Partner cross-functionally with Procurement and site Quality to align on supplier performance, material compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Packaging, Materials, or Supply Chain.
• 3+ years of experience in Packaging or Quality.
• Ability to understand packaging equipment/materials and ability to analyze machine efficiency and downtime.
• Demonstrated ability to drive supplier development and performance improvements.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and able to prioritize workload to meet commitments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

working conditions and physical requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Reaching/bending as needed
• Exposure to hazards (machinery, confined spaces, etc.)

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife’s nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Goodyear, AZ

reports to: Sr. Manager, Quality Systems

travel requirements: 15-30%

exempt/nonexempt: exempt

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