Quality Control Technician

Actalent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Pre-tax and Roth accounts

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Control Technician (Level II) in Chicago, IL. This role performs hands-on quality inspections of ingredients, in-process materials, and finished goods within a regulated food manufacturing environment.

The technician monitors Critical Parameters (CPs), CCPS, cGMPs, and sanitation, supporting audits and CAPA activities while maintaining thorough documentation and contributing to a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Hands-on quality inspections and verification activities in a food manufacturing setting.
• Ability to monitor CPs/CCPs and sanitation activities.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, and food safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections on ingredients, in-process, and finished products to meet specs.
• Verify CPs/CCPs and sanitation throughout production.
• Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and areas.
• Support food safety programs and environmental monitoring.
• Execute hold and release for non-conforming products.
• Document results and maintain quality records.
• Investigate and escalate quality or safety concerns in real time.
• Assist with internal and supplier quality audits.

Skills

Quality inspections

GMP knowledge

HACCP knowledge

FDA/USDA regulations

Documentation

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title: Quality Control Technician (Level II)

Job Description

The Quality Control Technician (Level II) performs hands-on quality inspections and verification activities on ingredients, in-process products, and finished goods in a regulated food manufacturing environment. This role ensures products and processes consistently meet internal quality standards, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements by monitoring critical parameters, verifying food safety programs, and maintaining accurate documentation. The technician serves as a key resource for food safety and quality, supports audits and investigations, and helps drive a strong culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the plant.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality inspections and verification activities on ingredients, in-process products, and finished products to ensure they meet specifications.
• Monitor and verify Critical Parameters (CPs), Critical Control Points (CCPs), current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and sanitation activities throughout production.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections to confirm equipment and production areas are clean, set up correctly, and ready for use.
• Perform environmental monitoring and allergen verification activities to support food safety programs.
• Execute hold and release activities to ensure non-conforming products do not move forward until issues are resolved.
• Verify that products and processes meet internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Identify, document, and elevate quality or food safety concerns in real time to ensure timely resolution.
• Monitor compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety procedures on the production floor.
• Follow HACCP, FDA, USDA, sanitation, allergen, and other food safety requirements in daily work.
• Verify equipment calibration in accordance with company quality procedures and document results accurately.
• Support traceability activities, including mock recalls and investigations, to ensure full product traceability.
• Help maintain and strengthen a culture where food safety and quality are understood as everyones responsibility.
• Maintain accurate quality control records, including test results, deviations, and corrective actions.
• Participate in root cause analysis for non-conformances and help identify effective solutions.
• Support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address quality and food safety issues and prevent recurrence.
• Assist with internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections by providing documentation and on-floor support.
• Use sound judgment and decision-making skills to help resolve quality issues quickly and effectively.
• Partner closely with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Warehouse teams to identify opportunities for process and quality improvement.
• As a Level II technician, help raise the bar for the Quality team by modeling best practices and strong compliance.
• Train and coach associates on procedures, documentation standards, and quality and food safety best practices.
• Serve as a backup to senior quality roles and QC supervisors when needed to ensure continuity of operations.
• Share knowledge with teammates to build understanding of quality and food safety requirements across the plant.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement in all aspects of plant operations.

Essential Skills

• 24+ years of experience in food manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance, or a closely related field (preferred).
• Experience working in USDA and/or FDA-regulated food manufacturing facilities.
• Working knowledge of HACCP principles and their application in a food production environment.
• Working knowledge of cGMPs and FDA/USDA food safety regulations.
• Hands-on experience with quality inspection and basic quality control testing in food manufacturing.
• Ability to analyze and interpret information and make sound decisions in real time.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accurate documentation and recordkeeping.
• Basic experience using Microsoft Word and Excel for data entry and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to speak, read, and understand English to follow procedures and document findings.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed in a production environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding food manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including off shifts and weekends, as required by production needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• HACCP, SQF, or GFSI certification.
• Experience working directly with FDA or USDA inspectors during audits or inspections.
• Experience in frozen food or pizza manufacturing environments.
• Experience with environmental monitoring programs, allergen control programs, audits, traceability systems, or mock recalls.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and train others on procedures and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Comfort working independently as the primary quality technician on site while collaborating with remote leadership.

Work Environment

This role is based at a food manufacturing facility and follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 3:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The position may require additional hours each week and the flexibility to work off shifts and weekends based on production and business needs. The technician will be the only Quality Technician working out of the Chicago site and will work closely on site with a small team that includes production, sanitation, and plant leadership. The first two weeks of training will take place at another company location, with the first week scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the second week transitioning to an overnight shift to align with plant operations. The role reports to a Quality Manager located at another site and involves regular collaboration with remote quality leadership. The environment is fast paced and physically demanding, with extended standing and walking and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds in a chilled or ambient food production setting. Standard food manufacturing dress and personal protective equipment are required, including appropriate footwear, hair and beard coverings, and other safety and sanitation gear as specified by plant policies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $27.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026.

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 [e-mail] 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 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.