Quality Control Technician

Quality Control Technician IIJoin a team behind some of the beverage industry's most recognized flavors.Our client is a leading manufacturer of beverage flavor systems used in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and specialty beverages enjoyed worldwide. As a Quality Control Technician II, you'll play a critical role in ensuring every raw material and finished product meets rigorous quality, safety, and sensory standards before reaching customers.This position offers a blend of laboratory analysis, problem-solving, production support, and continuous improvement initiatives, making it an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on testing and wants to make a direct impact on product quality.Laboratory Testing & Quality VerificationPerform routine analytical testing on incoming ingredients, in-process materials, and finished products using established laboratory procedures.Conduct quality evaluations including pH, viscosity, Brix, density, refractive index, color, particle size, turbidity, water activity, titrations, and sensory assessments.Utilize laboratory instrumentation such as GC, colorimeters, refractometers, water activity meters, and related analytical equipment.Review results against specifications and authorize product release when quality requirements are met.Product Quality & Production SupportPartner closely with manufacturing teams to perform packaging inspections, line audits, and in-process quality checks.Verify production batches meet customer and internal quality standards prior to shipment.Communicate test results, observations, and quality concerns to operations and cross-functional teams in a timely manner.Support food safety and quality initiatives that drive operational excellence throughout the facility.Continuous Improvement & Technical LeadershipParticipate in root cause investigations and corrective action efforts to resolve quality-related issues.Assist with CAPA activities and troubleshooting of laboratory and process deviations.Review, update, and improve SOPs to ensure procedures remain current and effective.Train and mentor team members on laboratory methods, quality procedures, and best practices.Documentation & ComplianceGenerate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.Collect and prepare microbiological samples while maintaining aseptic techniques.Calibrate, verify, and perform basic maintenance on laboratory equipment.Organize product retains, sample inventories, and quality records to ensure traceability and compliance.Analyze testing data and produce clear, detailed reports documenting findings and trends.Sample ManagementCollect and prepare raw material samples for evaluation and testing.Handle containers and materials weighing up to 50 pounds as part of routine sampling activities.Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory environment.What We're Looking ForRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline with at least 1 year of laboratory experience. ORHigh school diploma/GED with 3+ years of laboratory, quality control, or flavor industry experience.Hands-on experience performing laboratory testing and quality inspections.Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to interpret data and make sound quality decisions.Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Strong documentation, organization, and communication skills.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds during routine sampling activities.Preferred QualificationsFood, beverage, flavor, ingredient, pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, or personal care manufacturing experience.Experience working in GMP-regulated environments.Familiarity with microbiological sampling techniques and aseptic practices.Experience with laboratory equipment including pH meters, refractometers, densitometers, colorimeters, gas chromatographs, and water activity analyzers.Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and related reporting tools.Prior experience supporting investigations, non-conformance reviews, or continuous improvement initiatives.Why This Opportunity Stands OutHands-on role supporting products used in the global beverage market.Exposure to both analytical laboratory testing and manufacturing operations.Opportunity to contribute to quality investigations, process improvements, and technical projects.Collaborative environment where Quality is a key partner to Production, R&D, and Operations.Excellent opportunity for recent science graduates with laboratory experience or experienced QC professionals seeking growth in the food and beverage industry.Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Island Lake, IL.Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/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 Island Lake, IL.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. Actalent