About LiDestri Foods

LiDestri Foods has grown from our roots as a pasta sauce and salsa manufacturer to become an R&D engine, formulating and producing innovative food products for our national and retailer brand partners. A family-run company based in Rochester, NY, LiDestri employs over 1,000 people across three U.S. locations. We have decades-long partnerships with some of the most respected consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and the most highly inventive retailer brands.

Excellent Pay and Benefits:

Great career-pathing
Professional development, including unlimited online training courses
401k – with employer match
Paid sick time off and paid holidays
Statutory benefits

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Quality Engineering Co-op will support continuous improvement initiatives within a high-speed food manufacturing environment. This role provides hands-on exposure to quality systems, operations, data analysis, process optimization, and lean manufacturing practices. The co-op will work closely with supply chain, engineering, operations, quality, and maintenance teams to improve safety, efficiency, quality, and throughput.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct time studies, work measurement, and line balancing on high-speed production lines
Create, manage, audit, report on, and revise quality management systems based on LiDestri needs, the ISO 9000 system, the ISO 22000 system, the SQF program, and other models
Participate with Quality Manager to develop, implement, monitor, and maintain and act on supplier quality management tools and evaluation systems (TraceGains)
Help develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation
Support continuous improvement and lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, standard work, waste reduction)
Participate in root cause analysis for downtime, scrap, and quality issues
Assist with layout planning and material flow improvements
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Safety
Prepare reports, presentations, and visual management tools for leadership review
Works in a safe manner, consistent with Company safety rules and regulations
Report food safety & quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action

REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in major field of study in engineering, statistics, or related technical field.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with data analysis and charting tools is a plus (Power BI, Visio, AI)
Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Willingness to spend time on the production floor
Coursework or experience in project management, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement preferred
Familiarity with food manufacturing or high-speed production environments preferred
Experience with time studies, process mapping, or statistical analysis preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, with a potential of up to 25 pounds.
Exposure to manufacturing plant floor requires the use of personal protective equipment (ear plugs, safety glasses, bump cap, skid-resistant leather shoes, etc.)
Minimal travel may be required between facilities.
Must follow Good Manufacturing Practice (hair net, no jewelry, no fake nails or eyelashes, no food/drink, gum, etc. in manufacturing Plant)

DISCLAIMER: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.