1st Shift Quality Control Technician

Job Title: 1st Shift Quality Control Technician Job Description The Quality Control Technician evaluates finished products to ensure they meet established quality standards and product specifications within a food manufacturing environment. This role performs routine and specialized analyses, documents all test results accurately, and communicates quality issues promptly to production, quality, shipping, and customer service teams. The technician monitors production lines and critical control points, supports investigations into non-conforming products, and helps maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safety procedures. Responsibilities

- Evaluate finished products for quality and acceptability in accordance with product specifications.
- Perform all required quality analyses and tests as specified for each product.
- Communicate product quality issues clearly and promptly to production supervisors, production managers, quality control leadership, shipping, and customer service staff.
- Log all analysis test results and batch information in the I-Series (AS400) system and maintain accurate analysis records and documentation for compliance purposes.
- Monitor line equipment for proper functionality, safety, and cleanliness during production.
- Check metal detectors, magnets, scales, and other devices identified as critical control points, and perform regular GMP and critical control point audits.
- Assist in investigations of foreign material incidents and product non-conformance, including documenting findings and supporting corrective actions.
- Perform batch set-up checks on production lines, assist in correcting set-up issues, and document any discrepancies.
- Place product on hold when necessary based on test results or observations and release product when it meets specifications.
- Reject non-conforming product as necessary and complete rejection forms, including root cause analysis and documentation of corrective actions.
- Check the effectiveness of allergen clean-outs as needed to ensure compliance with allergen control requirements.
- Perform pre-operational (Pre-Op) audits when necessary, such as after equipment maintenance or downtime, to verify readiness for production.
- Conduct production scale checks and calibrate laboratory equipment according to the established calibration schedule.
- Collect microbiological (micro) samples as needed and place related product on micro hold pending results.
- Maintain and control the retain sample area and retain sample files, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and documentation.
- Perform special tasks and projects assigned by leadership related to quality control and food safety.
- Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safety procedures at all times while working in the facility.

Essential Skills

- High school diploma or GED with 12 years of related work experience, preferably in quality control or a similar role.
- Ability to use quality control analysis equipment effectively and safely.
- Experience in food manufacturing quality is required, with greater experience considered a strong advantage.
- Fluency in spoken and written English to read, interpret, and document quality information accurately.
- Strong mathematical skills to perform calculations related to testing, measurements, and data analysis.
- Computer and data processing skills, including the ability to enter and manage data in systems such as I-Series (AS400).
- Ability to climb ladders to access work platforms and equipment as needed.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as required by the role.
- Flexibility to work different shifts and adapt to changing production schedules.
- Reliable transportation to consistently report to assigned shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Previous experience in a food manufacturing quality control environment is highly preferred.
- Ability to perform detailed documentation and maintain accurate records for compliance and audits.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and escalate quality issues quickly.
- Capability to participate in root cause and corrective action investigations for non-conforming products.
- Comfort working with critical control points, metal detection, allergen controls, and GMP audits.
- A degree in a related field is preferred and may support faster promotion opportunities.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional production and quality team.
- Willingness to work extended hours, including overtime and weekends, based on production needs.

Work Environment This position operates in a food manufacturing facility with rotating shift coverage and a strong focus on product safety and quality. Candidates will most likely train on either 1st or 2nd shift for approximately three months, with typical training hours around 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Standard shift schedules include 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2nd shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 3rd shift from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Candidates must be flexible to train on 1st or 2nd shift, and some may train on 3rd shift depending on language and operational needs. The role frequently requires overtime, and shifts can extend up to 12 hours, with weekend work dependent on production demands. After training, employees should plan to work up to six days per week. The environment involves working around production equipment, climbing ladders to reach work platforms, and handling products and materials that may require lifting up to 50 pounds. The facility follows Good Manufacturing Practices and safety procedures, and employees are expected to adhere to appropriate food manufacturing attire and hygiene standards, including any required protective equipment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chicago, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.50 - $22.55/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chicago, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL. 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 [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.