Quality Assurance Analyst
About the role
The Quality Assurance Analyst performs routine and non-routine laboratory testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure they meet established quality specifications and food safety standards. This role supports quality assurance and quality control programs within a food manufacturing environment and works closely with production and operations teams to maintain consistent product quality and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
- Perform routine and non-routine laboratory testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to verify compliance with quality specifications.
- Conduct pH measurements, moisture testing, density testing, chemical titrations, and allergen testing in accordance with established procedures.
- Monitor critical control points and support food safety programs to ensure adherence to regulatory and internal standards.
- Review, interpret, and document test results accurately and in a timely manner.
- Investigate out-of-specification results, support root cause analysis, and assist in implementing corrective actions.
- Partner with production and operations teams to ensure quality standards are consistently maintained throughout the manufacturing process.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant documentation in accordance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Absorb and provide documentation, test data, and process explanations during internal and external audits, including customer, regulatory, and third-party inspections.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, food safety, and process efficiency.
- Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy, reliability, and readiness for testing.
- Participate in training programs to promote quality awareness, regulatory compliance, and best practices across the facility.
- Follow established safety procedures and good laboratory practices while working in both laboratory and manufacturing areas.
Essential Skills
- Demonstrated experience working in a laboratory environment.
- Hands-on experience performing laboratory tests such as pH measurements, moisture testing, density testing, chemical titrations, and allergen testing.
- Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control practices within a food manufacturing setting.
- Understanding of FDA and USDA regulations related to food safety and quality.
- Ability to monitor critical control points and support food safety programs.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing tests and recording data.
- Ability to review, interpret, and document test results clearly and accurately.
- Capability to support investigations of out-of-specification results and assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Proficiency in maintaining compliant documentation in line with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Ability to work collaboratively with production and operations teams to uphold quality standards.
- Comfort working with laboratory instruments and performing equipment calibration and basic maintenance.
- Willingness and ability to work an overnight 6PM–6AM shift on a 2/2/3 schedule.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field preferred but not required.
- Experience in food manufacturing or a similar regulated production environment.
- Familiarity with audit processes, including customer, regulatory, and third-party inspections.
- Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, food safety, or process efficiency.
- Strong communication skills to effectively share findings and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to participate in and contribute to training programs that promote quality and compliance.
Work Environment
This role operates in both laboratory and manufacturing environments within a food production facility. The position involves working around food processing equipment and in areas with varying temperatures. The schedule follows an overnight 6PM–6AM shift on a 2/2/3 rotation, which includes a combination of weekdays and weekends.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Sioux City, NE.
Pay And Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/hr.
Requirements
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)
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.
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