Quality Control Lab Technician

Quality Control Technician

The Quality Control Technician is responsible for ensuring all raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods meet company quality standards and customer specifications. This position performs inspections, testing, documentation, and quality verification throughout the manufacturing process while supporting Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), safety standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate has strong attention to detail, enjoys problem-solving, and takes pride in ensuring products meet the highest quality standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Perform incoming, in-process, and final product inspections.
• Verify products meet customer specifications, work instructions, and quality standards.
• Collect product samples for testing and retain samples as required.
• Perform visual inspections for defects including appearance, fill levels, labeling, coding, packaging, and workmanship.
• Measure product characteristics using quality inspection equipment such as calipers, scales, gauges, rulers, and other measuring devices.
• Complete inspection reports, quality documentation, and production records accurately.
• Identify, document, and quarantine non-conforming materials or products.
• Communicate quality concerns promptly to Production, Compounding, and Management.
• Assist with root cause investigations and corrective actions (CAPA).
• Verify production changeovers and line clearances before startup.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, SOPs, customer specifications, and company policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready work environment.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections as needed.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects and improving product quality.
• Perform additional quality-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Science, or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of quality control or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, or contract manufacturing is a plus.
• Basic understanding of GMPs and quality systems.
• Ability to read work instructions, specifications, and production documents.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, scales, gauges).
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Familiarity with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Experience documenting non-conforming materials.
• Ability to interpret specifications and quality standards.
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Perform repetitive hand movements.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and reach throughout the shift.
• Ability to distinguish colors, labels, and small product defects.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures and noise levels.

Success in This Role

• Maintains exceptional attention to detail.
• Identifies quality issues before products reach customers.
• Accurately documents inspections and findings.
• Communicates effectively with Production and Operations.
• Follows GMP and safety procedures without exception.
• Takes ownership of product quality and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates integrity by holding quality standards, even under production pressure.

Why Join Merit Manufacturing?

At Merit Manufacturing, quality is at the center of everything we produce. As a Quality Control Technician, you'll play a critical role in delivering products our customers trust while working alongside a collaborative team committed to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. This position offers opportunities to expand your technical skills, contribute to process improvements, and grow your career within our quality organization.

What you get for your Hard Work:

Pay: Starts at $45,000 annually based on experience

• Healthcare
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Performance Bonus Opportunities
• Year End Bonus Opportunity
• Company events

Equality:

Merit Manufacturing is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.