Quality Technician
Actalent · St Louis, MO · Yesterday
On-siteQuality Assurance$22–$24/hrContract
About the role
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Quality Assurance Technician to support a fast-paced food manufacturing operation on the 3rd shift (overnights).
Responsibilities
- Perform routine quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to verify compliance with established specifications.
- Monitor and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, and food safety protocols throughout the production areas.
- Conduct environmental and product sampling for microbiological and chemical testing, following established sampling plans and procedures.
- Verify compliance with HACCP plans, FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements, escalating issues as needed.
- Maintain, calibrate, and verify the performance of quality assurance equipment such as scales, thermometers, pH meters, and related instruments.
- Document and report non-conformances in a clear and timely manner, assist in root cause analysis, and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
- Collaborate closely with production and sanitation teams to ensure that quality and food safety standards are understood, followed, and continuously improved.
- Absorb and support internal audits of processes, documentation, and facilities, and support external inspections conducted by regulatory or third-party bodies.
- Maintain accurate, organized records of inspections, test results, sampling activities, and quality metrics in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
- Engage in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing ideas to enhance product quality, process efficiency, and food safety systems.
- Participate in ongoing training programs to stay current with food safety regulations, company procedures, and best practices in quality assurance.
- Retrieve samples from production lines and perform line checks to verify product attributes, packaging integrity, and labeling accuracy.
- Communicate findings and trends to relevant stakeholders and provide support in implementing process adjustments to maintain consistent product quality.
Requirements
- 1–2 years of experience in food manufacturing or quality assurance.
- Knowledge of HACCP principles, GMPs, and food safety regulations applicable to food manufacturing.
- Practical understanding of quality assurance and quality control practices in a production environment.
- Competence in maintaining and calibrating quality assurance equipment such as scales, thermometers, and pH meters.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy when conducting inspections, tests, and documentation.
- Solid organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, records, and sampling activities on a busy overnight shift.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and basic data entry for recording test results and quality metrics.
- Comfort working in cold, wet, or noisy environments and standing for extended periods during the shift.
- Willingness to adhere strictly to GMP, cGMP, HACCP, and other food safety and quality protocols.
Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in food science, biology, or a related field preferred.
- Experience in a food manufacturing laboratory or plant-based quality assurance role.
- Familiarity with FDA and USDA regulatory requirements for food production.
- Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies within a manufacturing or quality assurance context.
- Interest in learning and expanding knowledge of advanced food safety and quality systems, with training provided for motivated individuals.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with production, sanitation, and quality teams.
- Demonstrated reliability and accountability when working overnight shifts in a production environment.