Quality Control Technician

Job Title: 3rd Shift Quality Control Technician

Job Description

The Quality Control Technician evaluates finished food products to ensure they meet established quality and safety standards. This role performs detailed analyses according to product specifications, documents all test results, and supports production teams by identifying, communicating, and helping resolve quality issues. The technician plays a key role in maintaining compliance with quality systems, supporting investigations into non-conforming products, and ensuring that equipment and processes operate within defined critical control and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate finished products for quality and acceptability in accordance with product specifications.
• Perform all required analyses and tests on products using quality control analysis equipment.
• Log all analysis test results and batch information in the I-Series (AS400) system and maintain accurate analysis records for documentation compliance.
• Communicate product quality issues clearly and promptly to production supervisors, production managers, quality control leadership, shipping, and customer service staff.
• Monitor production line equipment for proper functionality, safety, and cleanliness, and report or escalate issues as needed.
• Check metal detectors (critical control points), magnets, and scales, and perform critical control point and GMP audits to verify compliance.
• Assist in all foreign material and product non-conformance investigations, including gathering data and supporting root cause analysis.
• Perform batch set-up checks, assist in correcting set-up issues, and document discrepancies accurately.
• Place product on hold when necessary, document reasons for the hold, and release product when appropriate criteria are met.
• Reject non-conforming product as necessary and complete rejection forms, including root cause identification and corrective action documentation.
• Check allergen clean-out effectiveness as needed to ensure proper sanitation and prevent cross-contamination.
• Perform pre-operational audits when necessary, for example after equipment maintenance or downtime, to ensure readiness for production.
• Perform production scale checks and calibrate laboratory equipment according to the established calibration schedule.
• Collect microbiological samples as needed and place associated products on micro hold as required.
• Maintain and organize retain sample areas and control sample files to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety procedures at all times.
• Perform special tasks and additional quality-related duties as assigned to support overall quality and food safety programs.

Essential Skills

• H.S. diploma or GED with 12 years of related work experience, preferably in a quality control or food manufacturing environment.
• Experience using quality control analysis equipment to test and evaluate products.
• Food manufacturing quality experience, with a strong understanding of quality and food safety principles.
• Ability to use and navigate computer systems, including data entry and data processing, and experience with systems such as I-Series (AS400) or similar platforms.
• Fluency in spoken and written English to read procedures, document results, and communicate quality issues effectively.
• Strong mathematical skills to perform calculations related to testing, measurements, and data analysis.
• Ability to climb ladders to access work platforms safely as part of inspections or equipment checks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed in the course of daily duties.
• Reliable transportation to consistently report to assigned shifts, including early morning, evening, or overnight schedules.
• Flexibility to train on 1st or 2nd shift and to work different shifts as required by production needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous quality control experience in a food manufacturing environment is highly preferred and considered a strong asset.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording test results, documenting discrepancies, and maintaining quality records.
• Solid problem-solving skills, including participation in root cause and corrective action analysis for product rejections and non-conformances.
• Capability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
• A degree or further education in a related field is advantageous and may support faster advancement opportunities within quality or related functions.
• Comfort working with critical control points (such as metal detectors and scales) and performing GMP and CCP audits.
• Ability to follow established procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols consistently and thoroughly.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing facility and involves working directly on or near production lines and quality laboratories. The position requires flexibility to work overtime, including shifts that may extend up to 12 hours and weekend work based on production needs, with the expectation of working up to six days per week after training. The environment involves routine use of quality control equipment, production line machinery, metal detectors, scales, and computer systems such as the I-Series (AS400). Work is performed in a manufacturing setting where adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices and safety procedures is essential, including appropriate attire and personal protective equipment suitable for a food production facility.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

The pay range for this position is $21.50 - $22.55/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)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

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.