Categories : Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Food Safety

Job Overview

The Advanced Quality Engineer at Kroger plays a critical role in ensuring the highest standards of product quality, safety, and compliance across our retail and supply chain operations. This position involves advanced application of quality engineering principles to drive continuous improvement, reduce defects, and enhance operational efficiency in a fast-paced grocery retail environment. The role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, procurement, distribution centers, and store operations to implement robust quality systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced quality control systems and statistical process controls for Kroger's private label products and supplier quality programs.
• Conduct root cause analysis using tools such as Six Sigma DMAIC methodology, FMEA, and 8D problem-solving to address quality issues and prevent recurrence.
• Manage supplier audits, qualification processes, and performance metrics to ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, GFSI standards, and Kroger's internal quality requirements.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for new products, equipment, and processes, including IQ/OQ/PQ activities.
• Analyze quality data trends using statistical software (Minitab, JMP) to identify improvement opportunities and report findings to senior leadership.
• Train and mentor quality teams and production staff on best practices, CAPA systems, and quality management software.
• Drive continuous improvement projects aimed at reducing cost of quality, scrap rates, and customer complaints.

Qualifications and Skills

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field, with 5+ years of experience in quality engineering preferably in food manufacturing or retail. ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Black Belt certification is highly desirable. Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, HACCP, and regulatory compliance is essential.

Why Kroger?

Join a Fortune 500 company committed to quality and innovation in grocery retail. Advance your career while contributing to food safety for millions of customers daily.