Quality Field Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Quality Field Technician

Job Description

The Quality Field Technician supports on-shift quality coordination on the manufacturing production floor to ensure that all products meet established specifications and customer expectations. This role focuses on real-time analytical testing, quality issue resolution, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices while helping to establish and maintain basic quality systems for extended shelf life (ESL) dairy-related products. The Quality Field Technician works closely with Operations to monitor key quality attributes, support problem-solving, and maintain compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Achieve assigned goals related to production, safety, quality, performance, and cost.
• Monitor the production floor and provide on-shift coordination, support, and focus for all quality-related issues.
• Notify appropriate personnel of mechanical malfunctions to increase productivity and equipment capabilities, and identify opportunities where operators can assist in resolving concerns.
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and all plant policies, rules, and regulations.
• Provide assistance and support to all areas related to quality as assigned by the supervisor or lead.
• Ensure technicians maintain proper focus on all quality checks and provide follow-up training when needed.
• Perform finished pallet audits, end-of-shift product reviews, and other quality checks to verify that quality standards are met.
• Track packaging and processing Key Quality Attributes (KQAs), identify problem areas and trends, and respond to production operators’ quality questions and concerns.
• Communicate effectively between shifts and with other departments, execute issue resolution, and escalate issues in a timely manner.
• Communicate product disposition decisions and assist Operations with compliance to quality and specification standards.
• Maintain accurate inventory of product in Quality Hold or retest status by performing routine cycle counts and reconciliations, and assist with cycle counts for reprocess and waste product.
• Audit Operations paperwork for required departments to ensure timely completion and accuracy.
• Participate in the Internal Quality Audit process to improve plant quality systems and GMP compliance.
• Serve as a resource to Operations for auditing, updating, and documenting compliance with the Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Conduct titration testing, verify chemical concentrations, and verify CIP (Clean-in-Place) dilution samples as needed.
• Perform troubleshooting related to quality tests, results, or equipment as needed.
• Perform finished product weight verifications and volumetric checks to confirm packaging accuracy.
• Complete sensory analysis on finished products as required to assess product quality.
• Conduct investigative research on products or materials as assigned by quality leadership.
• Conduct ATP cleaning verification and line release processes per shift requirements.
• Perform Environmental Swabbing as requested by Quality Assurance management.
• Set up documentation and prepare sample shipments using proper shipping methods.
• Cover breaks, lunches, and other staffing needs as assigned by the supervisor or lead.
• Remain compliant with all legal requirements related to dairy processing and safety on the assigned shift and report any concerns to the supervisor or lead.
• Work in a safe manner, promptly report safety concerns, and take corrective actions as necessary to maintain a safe environment.
• Report food safety problems, initiate appropriate actions, and support SQF by maintaining food safety and food quality standards.
• Ensure work areas remain sanitary and strictly adhere to sanitation practices.
• Report to work at scheduled times and communicate tardiness or absences to the supervisor or manager prior to the occurrence.
• Report to work in a condition fit to perform job duties.
• Maintain a well-groomed appearance and dress in position-appropriate attire, including compliance with GMP dress code standards.
• Comply with performance criteria and standards of conduct as outlined in company policies and procedures.

Essential Skills

• Ability to apply basic to complex mathematical concepts, including addition, counting, subtraction, multiplication, division, and knowledge of weights and measures, to perform job tasks accurately.
• Basic understanding of statistics and statistical process control, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to understand and respond appropriately to basic and complex inquiries from employees, vendors, and customers.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a level sufficient to perform job functions.
• Ability to operate quality and facility equipment required in the assigned area.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete all required company training.
• Ability to interpret company documents, literature, and UPC/code information.
• Experience using Microsoft Windows and related software tools.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
• Manufacturing or machine operation experience, preferably 6 months to 2 years in the dairy or food industry (preferred but strongly beneficial).
• Familiarity with SQF or similar quality systems (preferred).
• Strong commitment to safety, food safety, and quality standards.
• Effective communication skills to support cross-functional collaboration and shift-to-shift handoffs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in chemistry, biology, food science, or agricultural technology science preferred.
• Quality assurance, quality control, and quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of chemistry and biology as applied to food or dairy processing.
• Experience working with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and quality standards in a production environment.
• Experience with quality systems such as SQF or similar frameworks.
• Ability to learn and apply company mission, purpose, and goals and understand how the role contributes to achieving them.
• Strong organizational skills to manage documentation, audits, and sample handling.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced production environment.

Work Environment

This role is based on the manufacturing production floor in a dairy-related facility producing extended shelf life (ESL) products. The Quality Field Technician works on both day and night shifts, supporting continuous operations and interacting closely with production, sanitation, and quality teams. The environment involves working around production machinery, quality testing equipment, and sanitation systems such as CIP processes, as well as handling product samples for analytical, sensory, and microbiological-related verifications. The position requires strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices, sanitation standards, and food safety protocols. Team members are expected to maintain a safe work environment, promptly report and help correct safety concerns, and comply with all plant safety and quality procedures. Attire must be appropriate for a production and quality environment and must comply with GMP dress code standards, including any required protective clothing or equipment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cortland, NY.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/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 Cortland,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 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.