Quality Control Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Quality Control Technician

Job Description

The Quality Control Technician plays a key role in ensuring that all incoming ingredients, in-process materials, and finished products meet strict quality and safety standards in a food manufacturing environment. This position performs routine and specialized laboratory analyses, supports production quality checks on the plant floor, and maintains accurate documentation to uphold regulatory and internal quality requirements. It is an excellent opportunity for someone with basic laboratory and science skills who is looking to grow in quality control or gain strong experience before pursuing graduate studies.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing on incoming, in-process, and finished materials using standardized procedures, including but not limited to pH, turbidity, Brix, salt, alcohol, total nitrogen, and microbiological sampling and testing.
• Conduct standardized quality sampling and checks during production runs, promptly reporting variances and non-conformities to management.
• Support production teams by performing quality inspections before, during, and between product runs to ensure consistent product quality.
• Monitor plant sanitation and personal hygiene practices in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for food processing facilities and current company GMP policies, and report repeat issues to management.
• Prepare product and ingredient samples for shipment to external laboratories, track and update test results, and alert management to discrepancies or quality concerns.
• Place product on quality hold when necessary and release product from hold in line with company policies and established criteria.
• Receive new ingredients, contact suppliers to obtain required documentation, and maintain accurate and up-to-date ingredient information files.
• Organize, maintain, and update all laboratory quality control documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), forms, charts, tables, and analytical data, and perform data entry to keep records current.
• Maintain laboratory equipment by performing routine calibration, performance verification, and basic troubleshooting of instruments and systems as needed.
• Manage laboratory supply inventory for routine analyses, including preparation and replenishment of solutions and ordering general laboratory and office supplies.
• Support the quality control leadership team in addressing customer service issues related to product quality and documentation.
• Assist the broader quality control team with special projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Actively pursue excellence by continuously developing technical competencies, laboratory skills, and professional communication skills.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in science is preferred.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory techniques, including accurate pipetting, micro plating techniques, pH testing, and reading a graduated cylinder.
• Foundational science knowledge and basic understanding of laboratory principles, gained through experience or education.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications for data entry, documentation, and reporting.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues, management, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, documentation, and sample flows efficiently.
• Effective time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet production and testing schedules.
• Understanding of quality control principles and practices in a production or laboratory setting.
• Awareness of HACCP and food safety concepts or willingness to learn and apply them in daily work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Basic laboratory experience in a food, beverage, or related scientific environment, or completion of relevant science coursework.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in food processing facilities.
• Interest in developing a career in quality control, food science, or related technical fields.
• Suitability for individuals seeking a one-year role, such as those taking a gap year before attending graduate school.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently in the lab and collaboratively with production and quality teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate records and documentation.

Work Environment

This role is based in a smaller laboratory within a food manufacturing facility and involves regular movement between the lab and production lines to collect samples and perform checks. The position follows a second-shift schedule, typically from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with Friday hours from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and requires occasional flexibility with start times with advance notice provided. The work environment combines hands-on laboratory testing with on-floor interactions in an active production setting, requiring adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices, appropriate lab and plant safety procedures, and any applicable dress or personal protective equipment guidelines for both lab and production areas. The culture emphasizes work–life balance, open communication, and opportunities for growth, with leadership that understands the technician role and supports professional development.

This is a Contract position based out of Richmond, VA.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $20.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 9, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 ziprecruiter.com 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.