Quality Assurance Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Quality Assurance Technician Job Description

The Quality Assurance Technician plays a key role in monitoring, supporting, and ensuring daily compliance with food safety and quality requirements in a food manufacturing environment. This position leads by example in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement, and demonstrates a strong willingness to step outside the comfort zone to take on new challenges and learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform regular physical inspections and analytical testing of products and processes to verify compliance with established food safety and quality standards, including but not limited to color, pH, seal integrity, temperature, date codes, X-ray monitoring, weight checks, label accuracy, allergen control, and cleanliness.
• Document all food safety and quality checks accurately and completely, maintaining clear and organized records.
• Ensure all stakeholders follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), good housekeeping practices, and company policies and procedures throughout the facility.
• Conduct product hold and release activities by thoroughly reviewing and assessing product safety and quality, following established hold and release procedures, and providing feedback and guidance on corrective actions when non-conformances are identified.
• Perform pre-operational inspections of line equipment and processing environments at the start of shifts or during line changeovers, including environmental testing such as ATP and allergen tests.
• Collect retain samples from production lines and perform product evaluations at the end of shelf life to verify ongoing product quality.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment at defined frequencies and maintain proper calibration records.
• Take appropriate actions to correct deviations from standards or promptly notify the Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Manager when issues arise.
• Act as a key monitor for reinforcing GMPs across plant and warehouse facilities by performing direct GMP observations of the facility and processing conditions during production, addressing discrepancies with the appropriate departments, and following up on corrective actions.
• Lead GMP by example, consistently demonstrating proper behaviors and practices during operations.
• Conduct GMP inspections of assigned areas within the facility and communicate findings and actions taken to address GMP issues.
• Support the implementation and reinforcement of policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, third-party audit requirements, and internal standards.
• Actively assist in preparing for third-party audits, including FDA, USDA, Organic, SQF, and customer audits, by following documented protocols and ensuring readiness.
• Audit food safety and quality records completed by operators to verify accuracy, completeness, and adherence to procedures.
• Maintain laboratory and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Identify opportunities to improve current methods, processes, and documentation, and make recommendations to the FSQ Manager.
• Demonstrate adaptability by responding appropriately to unexpected changes in production, priorities, or processes.
• Seek to develop technical knowledge by learning from peers and available resources, and consistently look for ways to grow and improve professionally.
• Serve as a backup for the FSQ Lead and other FSQ team members during their absence, ensuring continuity of food safety and quality activities.
• Assist with new hire and refresher training on food safety and quality topics to support a strong food safety culture.
• Participate in mock recalls and mock product withdrawal exercises to support traceability and recall readiness.
• Support FSQ department continuous improvement initiatives and follow up on corrective action implementation.
• Keep the FSQ Manager informed about issues, trends, and opportunities for improvement in food safety and quality.
• Assist with special in-plant or laboratory projects as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Experience in food science, food safety, or a related quality assurance function in a food manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the ability to model and reinforce GMP behaviors on the production floor.
• Hands-on quality assurance experience, including product inspections, analytical testing, and documentation.
• Ability to perform and interpret tests related to color, pH, seal integrity, temperature, date coding, X-ray monitoring, weight checks, label accuracy, allergen control, and cleanliness.
• Ability to perform and document environmental testing such as ATP and allergen tests.
• Competence in calibrating and using laboratory equipment and instruments with attention to accuracy and recordkeeping.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, record audits, and data analysis.
• Ability to identify non-conformances, determine appropriate corrective actions, and follow established procedures.
• Effective communication skills to interact with production staff, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and follow through on responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as part of routine job duties.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks with hands and arms.
• Ability to work safely around production equipment and in varied temperature environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background or education in food science, microbiology, or a related scientific or technical field.
• Familiarity with FDA, USDA, Organic, SQF, and other third-party audit schemes and requirements.
• Experience participating in or preparing for third-party and customer audits.
• Experience with hold and release procedures, mock recalls, and mock product withdrawals.
• Experience assisting with training on food safety and quality topics.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain orderly lab and work areas and manage multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to learn new methods, processes, and technologies.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and personal development.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented, highly supportive environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing and laboratory setting, working an 8.5-hour shift (including a 30-minute lunch) scheduled between approximately 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend hours depending on business needs. Work conditions vary by area, with temperatures in processing departments ranging from approximately 5°F to 90°F. The position involves frequent standing, walking, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, smelling, listening, speaking, and visual inspection to perform essential duties. The environment includes exposure to potentially dangerous machinery and equipment, as well as potential electrical, mechanical, and chemical hazards. Noise levels in the plant are high and constant, and floors may be damp and slick, requiring careful attention to safety procedures and appropriate footwear. The role requires the ability to bend, stoop, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds and to stand for long periods. Close visual acuity is necessary for viewing computer terminals, analyzing reports, managing data, and inspecting products and labels. The organization values tenure, loyalty, and team success, promotes from within, supports professional development through education, training, and certifications, and fosters a collaborative, flexible, and supportive work culture where employees are trusted to work independently and as part of a cohesive team.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Union City, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Union City, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Union City,CA.

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.