Quality Control Engineer

• Inspect Medjool dates before purchase according to the company's quality standards
• Evaluate fruit maturity, size, color, texture, moisture content, and overall appearance
• Identify defects including insect damage, disease, fermentation, sunburn, bruising, splitting, dehydration, mold, and mechanical damage
• Classify Medjool dates into appropriate quality grades
• Determine acceptance, conditional acceptance, or rejection of each lot
• Coordinate with the Procurement Team regarding quality decisions before purchase
• Prepare detailed inspection reports with photos and supporting documentation
• Monitor harvesting, handling, packaging, and transportation practices at supplier farms
• Ensure purchased dates maintain traceability from farm to factory
• Monitor loading operations to prevent contamination and physical damage
• Collect representative samples for laboratory analysis when required
• Verify compliance with food safety standards, including GAP and other applicable certifications
• Maintain supplier quality performance records and recommend corrective actions
• Support supplier development by providing technical feedback to improve product quality
• Assist in resolving quality disputes with suppliers
• Coordinate with the Transportation and Fleet Management Departments to arrange the transportation of the received products

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, Food Science, Horticulture, or a related field
• 2-5 years of experience in quality control, preferably in dates, fresh produce, or agricultural exports
• Experience with Medjool dates is highly preferred
• Strong knowledge of Medjool date quality standards
• Understanding of post-harvest handling and storage practices
• Knowledge of export quality specifications
• Familiarity with food safety systems (HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., ISO 22000 is an advantage)
• Excellent inspection and reporting skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to travel frequently to supplier farms
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools