QA Inspector

The QA Inspector ensures that all products released for distribution comply with applicable specifications and that all materials in the warehouse are properly identified, stored, sampled, tested, and released prior to use in production. This role safeguards compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch record instructions, and quality standards in a GMP environment, supporting both manufacturing and quality teams to maintain consistent product integrity and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Assure that all products released for distribution meet applicable specifications and quality requirements.
• Ensure all materials in the warehouse are clearly identified by status and stored appropriately according to SOPs.
• Verify that only released materials are used in production and that all materials are sampled, tested, and meet specifications before use.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable SOPs across quality and manufacturing activities.
• Confirm manufacturing compliance with batch record instructions and requirements.
• Receive and sample all raw materials and components for appropriate testing following established procedures.
• Manage appropriate quarantine and release of finished product for shipping.
• Ensure all items in the plant—including raw materials, components, packaging, labels, finished product, rejected materials, and rework materials—are properly labeled and stored in accordance with SOPs.
• Administer and maintain the label program, including control and reconciliation of labels.
• Inspect production lines regularly to ensure adherence to quality standards and SOPs.
• Perform appropriate sampling, storage, and status labeling of pallets of incoming materials until they are tested for compliance and released for use.
• Conduct appropriate sampling and storage of finished product until testing is completed and the product is released.
• Review batch records to confirm that only released ingredients, components, and labeling are used in production.
• Assist the Quality Manager in product investigations when manufacturing deviations, complaints, or product failures occur.
• Maintain label inventory, issue labels to production, process returned labels, and facilitate reconciliation of label inventory.
• Inspect production lines for proper use of PPE, correct labels and codes, accurate weights, and compliance with product specifications.
• Perform production line checks or line clearances as needed to support quality and compliance.
• Collaborate with other inspectors, production, and warehouse personnel to carry out sampling and inspection procedures effectively.

Essential Skills

• Quality assurance and inspection experience, with at least 1+ years of quality inspection experience in a GMP environment required and 3+ years preferred.
• Proficiency with computer systems to work within a Quality Management System (QMS) or database, such as SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
• Prior experience with raw material sampling using AQL methodologies.
• Experience performing production line checks or line clearances.
• Ability to read, understand, and review batch records for compliance.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical or similar regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and batch record instructions accurately.
• Effective communication skills to interface with production, warehouse, and quality personnel.
• Capability to work in dusty production and warehouse environments and adhere to PPE requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma is required.
• Willingness to drive a forklift upon conversion to a full-time role to pull samples for sampling duties (forklift operation not required during the contract assignment).
• Openness to candidates with strong manufacturing experience who are looking to transition into a quality or compliance role.
• Basic familiarity with GMP principles and regulated production environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of inspectors and a supervisor.
• Flexibility to support night shift coverage on occasion and to work some Saturday shifts as needed.
• Interest in long-term opportunities, with a plan to convert from contract to full-time and an approved headcount for the role.
• Eligibility for contract benefits including paid holidays and billable PTO as part of the assignment.

Work Environment

This role operates in a mixed office and production setting, with approximately 20% of time spent in an office environment and the remaining time in production and warehouse areas performing sampling and inspection duties. The production and warehouse environments can be dusty due to powdered products and animal feed-based materials, and appropriate PPE is required. Sampling duties are typically performed one day per week, with about 80% of that day spent in the warehouse or production areas and 20% in the office. On other days, the QA Inspector will spend roughly 70% of the time on inspections and auditing in production and warehouse environments and 30% in the office handling releases and documentation.

Schedule

The standard shift options are Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a commitment to one set schedule and moderate overtime of approximately 4–6 hours weekly. There is a possibility of Saturday work, typically about one Saturday per month, including participation in an annual inventory event where early departure may be accommodated for personal or family activities. The QA Inspector may occasionally be asked to cover for the night shift inspector, so some scheduling flexibility is needed. The role is part of a small, collaborative team consisting of three inspectors and a supervisor, with regular interaction with production and warehouse personnel and frequent performance of sampling procedures in tandem with another inspector. The contract includes six paid holidays and 40 hours of billable PTO, and the intent is to convert the role to a full-time position at the end of the assignment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO. This is a fully onsite position.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $26.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.