Quality Assurance Technician
About the role
The Quality Assurance Technician plays a key role in monitoring, supporting, and ensuring daily compliance with food safety and quality requirements. This position leads by example in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement, and demonstrates a strong willingness to step outside of their comfort zone to take on new challenges and expand their knowledge in food safety and quality.
Responsibilities
- Perform regular physical inspections and analytical testing of products and processes to verify food safety and quality, including assessments of color, pH, seal integrity, temperature, date codes, X-ray monitoring, weight checks, label accuracy, allergen controls, and cleanliness.
- Document all food safety and quality checks accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring records meet internal and regulatory standards.
- Ensure all stakeholders follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), good housekeeping practices, and company policies and procedures throughout the facility.
- Execute product hold and release procedures by thoroughly reviewing and assessing food safety and quality, providing feedback and guidance on corrective actions when non-conformance issues arise.
- Take appropriate actions to correct deviations or promptly notify the Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Manager when issues are identified.
- Lead GMP by example, reinforcing best practices during operating hours and conducting GMP inspections of assigned areas, communicating findings and actions taken.
- Audit food safety and quality records completed by operators to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal and external requirements.
- Maintain laboratory and work areas in an organized, clean, and safe condition.
- Identify opportunities to improve current methods, processes, and documentation, and make recommendations to the FSQ Manager.
- Demonstrate adaptability by responding appropriately to unexpected changes in production, processes, or priorities.
- Participate in mock recalls and mock product withdrawal sessions to support traceability and crisis readiness.
- Support the FSQ Department in continuous improvement efforts and follow up on the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions.
- Keep the FSQ Manager informed about issues, trends, and opportunities for improvement related to food safety and quality.
- Assist with special in-plant or laboratory projects as assigned, contributing technical support and documentation as needed.
Requirements
- Experience in quality assurance within a food manufacturing or food science environment.
- Working knowledge of food science principles and their application in production and quality control.
- Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and their practical implementation on the production floor.
- Ability to perform and interpret physical and analytical tests such as pH, temperature, seal integrity, weight checks, and allergen and environmental testing.
- Proficiency in documenting food safety and quality checks with attention to accuracy and completeness.
- Ability to calibrate and operate laboratory equipment and instruments safely and effectively.
- Strong observational skills to identify deviations in processes, facility conditions, and GMP compliance.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with production, warehouse, and FSQ team members regarding findings, corrective actions, and process improvements.
- Physical ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds, stand or sit for extended periods, and perform repetitive tasks with hands and arms.
- Close visual acuity to view computer terminals, analyze reports, and manage detailed data accurately.
Qualifications
- Background in food science, quality assurance, or a related field.
- Experience supporting third-party audits such as FDA, USDA, Organic, SQF, or customer audits.
- Familiarity with hold and release procedures, mock recalls, and product withdrawal processes.
- Experience conducting GMP inspections and documenting findings and corrective actions.
- Interest in continuous learning, including participation in training, certifications, and professional development opportunities.
- Comfort working both independently and as part of a collaborative, supportive team environment.
- Strong sense of ownership, reliability, and commitment to maintaining high food safety and quality standards.
Skills
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and industry standards.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Benefits
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)
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/hr.
Requirements
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Please review the job description for specific eligibility criteria.
Work Environment
This role is based in a food manufacturing facility and laboratory environment. The typical shift starts in the evening around 9:00 p.m., and the schedule generally runs Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday work depending on production needs. Flexibility in working hours is important, as work time may vary based on project and production requirements. Temperatures in processing departments range from approximately 5°F to 90°F, and the plant environment includes exposure to potentially dangerous machinery and equipment, as well as potential electrical, mechanical, and chemical hazards. The noise level is high and constant, and floors may be damp and slick, requiring consistent attention to safety and proper footwear. The position involves frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and repetitive hand and arm movements.
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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.