Food Safety & Quality Technician - 1st Shift

Our No. 1 priority at Johnsonville is providing a safe work environment for every Member we employ. Our industry-leading safety record, coupled with the safety awards we’ve received, demonstrate this commitment. Members of our safety team maintain the safety of Johnsonville Members in our facilities, continuously finding new and better ways to do so. We’re also dedicated to producing only the highest-quality products for consumers worldwide to enjoy – ones we would be proud to serve at our own family table. Our quality team ensures Johnsonville meets or exceeds all standards set by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), of the US Department of Agriculture and other regulatory agencies. Our commitment to quality is unparalleled, thanks to the dedication of each quality team member.

Johnsonville, LLC

Food Safety & Quality Technician

Sheboygan Falls, WI

3 positions - 1st Shift

Meadowside: 6:00am - 2:30pm

Riverside: 5:30am - 2:00pm

Countryside: 3:00am - 11:30am

Position Overview:

The Food Safety & Quality Technician ensures that Johnsonville products consistently meet our standards for safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. This role partners closely with Operations and Sanitation teams to conduct inspections, monitor processes, and resolve issues that impact product integrity. The technician plays a critical role in upholding Johnsonville’s reputation for world-class food safety and quality while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct environmental monitoring activities, including swabbing and allergen testing, to verify compliance with food safety standards.
• Perform pre-operational inspections to verify the cleanliness and readiness of production areas (as needed per shift).
• Partner with the Sanitation team to provide feedback on performance and ensure compliance with SSOPs (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures).
• Verify critical control points (CCPs) and preventive controls as part of the facility’s food safety plan, and assist with deviation recording
• Collect samples of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to ensure they meet specifications
• Coordinate with the corporate laboratory for sample submissions and review of results
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, tests, and corrective actions in accordance with regulatory and company requirements
• Investigate non-conformances and assist in root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)
• Ensure proper labeling and traceability of products throughout the production process
• Train production staff on food safety and quality procedures, including hygiene practices and GMPs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, sanitation, and maintenance to resolve quality issues
• Stay current on food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, FSMA) and industry best practices
• Verify compliance with HACCP, USDA, and internal food safety programs
• Audit and verify product quality standards
• Perform audits of incoming material quality
• Support development and implementation of new or improved food safety strategies

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree or coursework in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field preferred

Experience:

• 1–3 years of experience in food manufacturing, quality assurance, or food safety, required
• Experience with HACCP, SSOP, and USDA-regulated environments preferred
• Hands-on experience collecting, preparing, and analyzing microbiological samples preferred

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of food safety principles and regulatory requirements
• Skilled in data collection, analysis, and problem solving
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Access); able to learn internal systems quickly
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Detail-oriented, organized, and accountable
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently or collaboratively
• Demonstrates initiative, ownership, and a strong drive for results

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Flexibility to work weekends or adjusted schedules as needed
• This role requires occasional travel between Johnsonville facilities to collect and transport samples. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required; a motor vehicle record (MVR) check will be conducted prior to employment.

Posting Date:             October 10, 2025

Location:                    Sheboygan Falls, WI

Member Status:         Full Time, Hourly

Reason for Posting:  New Positions

Benefits:                     Members have potential for a monthly bonus and 401k with a company match. Members also have access to terrific benefits including affordable medical, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; disability and life insurance; and fertility and adoption assistance. Johnsonville also offers competitive paid time off, including paid parental time off, as well as access to the 24/7 onsite fitness center, onsite medical clinic and tuition reimbursement! 

About our Company

Since 1945, our family-owned band of sausage-makers has invented better ways to make, eat and prepare crave-able sausage. Today, we are 4,000+ Members strong. We sell our famous sausage in all 50 United States and more than 40 countries. We have a culture built on the idea that if we make developing your talents our top priority, great business results will follow naturally. We call it The Johnsonville Way. It has been our secret sauce for decades, and we hope you get to experience it for yourself!

How to Apply:          

External candidate:  Apply on-line only at: careers.johnsonville.com

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Johnsonville is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability.

We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.