Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance TechnicianThe Quality Assurance Technician ensures that all products meet established quality and safety standards within a food manufacturing environment. This role performs pre-operational inspections, conducts testing using X-ray and metal detection equipment, verifies packaging integrity and labeling accuracy, and maintains thorough quality documentation. The technician works closely with production teams to identify and address issues, hold lines when necessary, and support continuous improvement in quality and food safety practices.ResponsibilitiesPerform pre-operational inspections to verify that equipment and production areas meet quality and food safety standards before production begins.Conduct X-ray testing and metal detector testing to identify and remove potential foreign materials from products.Carry out routine quality checks throughout the production process to ensure products meet specifications and regulatory requirements.Complete and maintain accurate quality documentation, including inspection records, test results, and corrective actions.Perform dimension and integrity checks on boxes and packaging to confirm they meet required standards and protect product quality.Verify that ingredient codes on labels match product contents and ensure label accuracy for ingredients and other required information.Conduct seal checks to confirm packaging is properly sealed and maintains product safety and shelf life.Check product specifications such as best-by dates and other critical labeling details to ensure compliance.Inspect products and production areas for foreign materials and take appropriate action if issues are identified.Hold production lines when necessary to address quality or safety concerns and prevent nonconforming product from leaving the facility.Support internal audits and inspections related to quality control, GMP, and food safety requirements.Collaborate with production, supervision, and leadership to communicate quality issues, propose improvements, and support corrective and preventive actions.Manage time effectively to balance office-based documentation and floor-based testing and inspections.Maintain high standards of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail in all quality assurance activities.Participate in training and development opportunities, including potential PCQI and HACCP certifications, to enhance technical and food safety knowledge.Essential SkillsExperience in quality control, quality assurance, or quality inspection within a food manufacturing environment, with at least 6 months of food manufacturing quality experience.Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and their application in a food production setting.Hands-on experience with X-ray testing and metal detecting equipment used for foreign material control.Ability to perform detailed inspections, audits, and testing to verify product quality and compliance.Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree, or equivalent quality experience working in the food industry.Strong attention to detail to identify discrepancies in labeling, packaging, and product specifications.High level of integrity and accountability in handling quality and food safety responsibilities.Effective time management skills to balance multiple tasks and priorities.Ability to multitask in a fast-paced production environment.Strong communication skills to clearly convey findings, issues, and recommendations to team members and leadership.Commitment to honesty and transparent reporting of quality and safety issues.Additional Skills & QualificationsUnderstanding of HACCP principles and critical control points, with the ability to apply them in a food manufacturing environment considered a strong plus.Interest in obtaining PCQI and HACCP certifications, with opportunities for company-supported training and certification.Experience conducting audits or participating in internal and external quality or food safety audits.Comfort working with both office-based systems and on-floor testing equipment.Willingness to contribute ideas in an open, transparent environment that values continuous improvement.Motivation to grow within a growing company that supports career development and internal promotion.Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a food manufacturing facility with two main areas: a baking side and a toppings side. The baking area undergoes weekly cleanings, while the toppings area, which works with meats, has daily cleanings to maintain strict hygiene standards. The facility operates on a 24/5 schedule and may run on weekends depending on production needs. This position typically follows a 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday schedule. The work environment is relatively loud, and the technician spends approximately 40% of the time in an office setting handling documentation and 60% on the production floor performing testing and checks. The quality team structure includes multiple technicians, a lead, and a supervisor, and the company is moving toward a structured one-month training process, with many employees becoming proficient sooner. The culture emphasizes transparency, an open-door policy, and open communication across all levels of the organization, with leadership accessible and receptive to new ideas.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Manteno, IL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Manteno, IL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.