About this role
Job Title: 3rd 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 results in computerized systems, and supports investigations into product non-conformance and foreign material issues. The technician collaborates closely with production, quality, shipping, and customer service teams to maintain consistent product quality and 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 promptly to production supervisors, production managers, quality control leadership, shipping, and customer service staff.
- Log all analysis test results and batch information into the I-Series (AS400) system and maintain accurate, compliant analysis records and documentation.
- Monitor production line equipment for proper functionality, safety, and cleanliness, and report any issues as needed.
- Check metal detectors (critical control points), magnets, and scales to ensure they function correctly and meet regulatory and internal standards.
- Conduct critical control point (CCP) and GMP audits to verify ongoing compliance with food safety and quality requirements.
- Assist in investigations involving foreign material incidents and product non-conformance, including gathering data and supporting root cause analysis.
- Perform batch set-up checks, assist in correcting improper set-ups, and document any discrepancies identified.
- Place product on hold when quality or safety concerns arise and release product when issues are resolved and standards are met.
- Reject non-conforming product as necessary and complete rejection forms, including root cause identification and corrective action documentation.
- Check the effectiveness of allergen cleanouts as needed to ensure proper allergen control and prevent cross-contamination.
- 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 associated products on micro hold pending test results.
- Maintain and organize the retain sample area and control sample files to ensure traceability and compliance.
- Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safety procedures at all times while working in production and laboratory areas.
- Support special tasks and projects assigned by quality leadership to improve processes, documentation, or overall product quality.
Essential Skills
- High school diploma or GED with 12 years of related work experience, preferably in a quality control or food manufacturing role.
- Experience with quality control processes and basic understanding of food manufacturing quality standards.
- Ability to use quality control analysis equipment and perform routine testing accurately.
- Fluency in spoken and written English to read procedures, complete documentation, and communicate with team members.
- Strong mathematical skills to perform calculations related to testing, measurements, and data analysis.
- Computer and data processing skills, including the ability to log and retrieve data from systems such as I-Series (AS400) or similar platforms.
- Ability to climb ladders to access work platforms safely as part of equipment checks and audits.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed for sample handling, equipment setup, or related tasks.
- Reliable transportation to support working various shifts and overtime as required.
- Flexibility to work different shifts, including training on 1st or 2nd shift and transitioning to another shift based on business needs.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Prior quality control experience in a food manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
- Comfort working with critical control points such as metal detectors, magnets, and scales in a production setting.
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety auditing is beneficial.
- Experience assisting with investigations into product non-conformance and foreign material incidents is an advantage.
- A post-secondary degree can support faster advancement and promotion opportunities within the quality function.
- Ability to adapt to changing production needs, including weekend work and extended hours.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation and record-keeping.
- Effective communication skills to collaborate with production, quality, shipping, and customer service teams.
Work Environment This position operates in a food manufacturing facility that runs multiple shifts and requires a high level of attention to safety, cleanliness, and product quality. Candidates will most likely complete training on 1st or 2nd shift, typically for about three months, with common 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., with shift differentials provided for 2nd and 3rd shifts. The role involves a significant amount of overtime, and employees may work up to 12-hour shifts based on production demands. Weekend work is dependent on production needs, and after training, technicians should plan to work up to six days per week. The work requires regular movement around production lines, climbing ladders to access platforms, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The environment emphasizes adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices and safety procedures, with frequent interaction with production equipment, quality testing instruments, and computer systems for data entry and documentation. Appropriate attire follows food manufacturing and safety standards, including compliance with facility-specific hygiene and protective equipment requirements.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire 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 to Hire 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.