Quality Control Technician

Quality Control Technician

The Quality Control Technician performs laboratory preparation activities and analytical testing on raw materials and finished goods, ensuring products meet established quality and safety standards. This role communicates effectively with cross-functional teams, works both independently and collaboratively, and actively promotes a strong culture of quality throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate incoming raw materials and outgoing flavors, ensuring they meet specifications and maintaining accurate records of all evaluations.
• Perform analytical and organoleptic tests on raw materials and finished products, including sensory, physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses.
• Develop and maintain specifications for flavor compounds to support consistent product quality.
• Maintain the quality control laboratory, including the procurement and inventory management of laboratory supplies.
• Keep laboratory equipment operational by performing daily calibrations and routine checks.
• Manage laboratory record keeping and documentation, ensuring data is accurate, complete, and compliant with internal and external requirements.
• Prepare Certificates of Analysis for outgoing shipments to verify product compliance with specifications.
• Assist with regulatory requirements and related record-keeping to support compliance with applicable standards.
• Compound commercial flavors, keys, and concentrates in a laboratory environment as needed.
• Understand and follow all applicable HACCP, GMP, SQF, and related food safety and quality concepts.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment in accordance with company policies and industry standards.
• Conduct internal good manufacturing practice inspections to verify adherence to established procedures.
• Assist with internal auditing of the food safety system and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform verification of plant equipment and environmental cleaning activities to support sanitation and food safety programs.
• Collaborate with co-workers to encourage and reinforce a culture of quality across the organization.
• Complete other laboratory duties as assigned to support the broader quality and flavor development teams.

Essential Skills

• Approximately 2 years of laboratory experience or exposure in a quality control or related environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with chemical analysis and laboratory test equipment.
• Knowledge of analytical testing procedures and equipment used in quality control laboratories.
• Experience performing sensory testing and organoleptic evaluations of products.
• Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and related quality standards.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple tests, projects, and documentation requirements simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy in testing, documentation, and reporting.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with technicians, regulatory teams, and flavor lab teams.
• Solid mathematics skills to support analytical calculations and data interpretation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with HACCP, SQF, and food safety systems and their application in a production environment.
• Experience working in a quality control laboratory within the food, flavor, or related industries.
• Interest in flavor creation and willingness to learn the ins and outs of flavor development.
• Comfort working in a small, cross-functional team and taking on multiple responsibilities as needed.
• Strong organizational skills for managing laboratory supplies, records, and testing schedules.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Work Environment

The Quality Control Technician works primarily in a quality laboratory alongside 2–3 other technicians, collaborating closely with regulatory teams and flavor lab teams. The role follows a standard 40-hour work week with minimal overtime. The environment offers a small-team feel where individuals work cross-functionally and may wear multiple hats, gaining exposure to the full flavor creation process. The company provides benefits and paid time off, and promotes a culture focused on quality, safety, and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Newport News, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $25.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Newport News, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.