Quality Specialist

Job Title: Quality Specialist Location: Vienna (main office/lab) with regular visits to Herzogenburg (production site)Department: R&D (cooperating with Quality and Operations) Employment Type: Full-timeAbout Kern TecAt Kern Tec, we transform unused fruit seeds from the juice industry into high-value food ingredients.Our unique raw materials form the base for next-generation plant-based dairy and clean-label products.We work closely with leading food brands and retailers to bring sustainable innovations to market.Our focus is on high quality, scalability and turning circular economy ideas into real products.Join a fast-growing company where technology, product development and impact meet.About the RoleWe are looking for a mid-level professional with a background in ingredient quality, standardization procedures, and sensory evaluation. In this role, you will be the driving force behind defining and safeguarding ingredient quality standards like taste, texture and functionality. You will develop, improve and implement quality parameters, lead sensory assessments, and ensure consistent ingredient performance across batches and products.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop, maintain, and continuously improve apricot seed ingredients quality and performance Lead sensory panel, including tastings, structured evaluations, and panel training.Characterize different apricot seeds to build a strong understanding of their sensory and functional properties over different processing stepsEstablish standardized procedures for apricot seed ingredient evaluation, benchmarking, and release criteriaMonitor apricot seed ingredient performance and quality consistency over time and across different usage, identify deviations, and implement corrective actionsBenchmark internal apricot seed ingredients against external references and competitorsCollaborate with Operation, Production, and Quality teams to align quality with product development and scale-up needsMaintain thorough documentation of sensory results, quality evaluations, and specificationsRequirementsDegree in Quality Management, Food Technology or a related field3+ years of experience in ingredient development, quality, standardization, or sensory science (preferrably for nuts and/or other plant based protein ingredients)Proven experience in setting right parameters and standard procedures for ingredients or food raw materials (preferrably nuts and or other plant based protein ingredients)Strong sensory evaluation skills and experience with structured testing methodologies (e.g., QDA, CATA, and similar). Proficiency in RStudio and statistical analysis is considered a plusFamiliarity with benchmarking and ingredient comparison techniquesDetail-oriented, analytical, and structured working styleFluent in English (German is a plus)What We OfferA key role in shaping sustainable and innovative ingredient standards in a growing food tech companyClose collaboration with operations, production and quality teamA dynamic, innovative environment with room for personal and professional growthCompany benefits like “Vienna Öffi ticket”, “myClubs credits” and more Competitive compensation package and real ownership of your domain