Quality Inspector

About the role

This role supports daily operations in a production environment by performing critical sampling, inspection, and basic testing of spices and seasonings. The Quality Inspector ensures product integrity and quality by monitoring critical control points and verifying compliance with regulatory food safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs). The position plays a vital role in identifying deviations, supporting corrective actions, and contributing to the continuous improvement of quality manufacturing processes, including detailed review of seasoning and batch cards and organoleptic sensory testing.

This is a Contract to Hire position based in Jessup, MD, operating in both manufacturing and laboratory settings.

Responsibilities

• Perform sampling and basic physical testing of spices and seasonings in both laboratory and production environments.
• Conduct organoleptic sensory testing of spices and seasonings to assess flavor, aroma, appearance, and texture.
• Review seasoning and batch cards to verify accuracy, completeness, and alignment with production requirements.
• Ensure accurate label and weight verification of raw materials and finished product packaging on production lines.
• Monitor and conduct checks of metal detection control points during production to ensure proper function and compliance.
• Verify correct information and labeling of staged ingredients for the production of seasoning formulations.
• Ensure adherence to GMPs, GLPs, and food safety standards throughout all inspection and testing activities.
• Document and report all deviations and non-conformances to operations leads and quality control supervisors in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform quality checks and visual inspections to identify defects, non-conforming materials, or process issues.
• Complete data entry and maintain accurate records of inspections, tests, and quality-related activities.
• Support laboratory activities, including sample preparation, handling, and receiving of materials for testing.
• Assist with inspection and management of samples and materials in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the work environment in both laboratory and production areas.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support corrective and preventive actions that improve product quality and process performance.
• Perform other duties as requested in support of departmental and broader company business needs.

Requirements

• Experience in quality inspection, quality control, or quality assurance in a production or laboratory environment.
• Ability to perform sample testing, including basic physical and organoleptic testing of food products such as spices and seasonings.
• Proficiency in quality control inspection and visual inspection techniques to identify defects and non-conformances.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately review labels, weights, and documentation such as seasoning and batch cards.
• Strong decision-making skills based on training and experience, with the ability to act promptly on quality issues.
• Proactive mindset with initiative to follow through on tasks to resolution.
• Previous experience in a laboratory or food manufacturing environment preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear documentation and reporting of findings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with operations, quality, and other teams.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for data entry, reporting, and documentation.
• Comfort working with quality checks related to metal detection, labeling, and packaging verification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, ideally in a related field such as food science, chemistry, biology, or a similar discipline.
• Background or coursework in laboratory practices, chemistry, or food science is beneficial.
• Experience working with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).
• Familiarity with food safety standards and regulatory requirements in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in laboratory sample preparation, sample receiving, and basic lab procedures.
• Experience working with spices, seasonings, or other food ingredients is an advantage.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support multiple facilities or production lines as needed.
• Interest in growing within a larger organization that operates multiple facilities and offers opportunities for internal movement.

Work Environment

The role operates in both manufacturing and laboratory settings. The position involves moderate standing, walking, reaching, climbing, stacking, and lifting as part of daily activities. The production environment is loud and can be dusty, with strong odors, particularly from spices and seasonings, and temperatures that may vary from hot to cold depending on the area and process. The laboratory environment involves working with chemicals of varying hazards, requiring adherence to safety protocols and proper handling procedures. The Quality Inspector uses standard laboratory equipment, inspection tools, and computer systems, including Microsoft Office, to perform testing, data entry, and documentation.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00 per hour.

Benefits

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, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 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)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite position in Jessup, MD.