Quality Control Technician (1156867)

The Judge Group; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking a Quality Control Technician in San Clemente, CA for a hands-on role in a food manufacturing environment. The position emphasizes lab testing, sample preparation, and strict adherence to food safety standards to ensure product quality and safety.

The role supports GMP, HACCP, and FDA/USDA compliance, with responsibilities including maintaining lab equipment, logging data, and assisting with investigations.

Qualifications

• Must have demonstrable experience working in a laboratory setting (wet chemistry, sample preparation, analytical testing, and lab safety protocols).
• 1+ years of QC experience in a food, beverage, or FMCG manufacturing environment preferred.
• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree or college coursework in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related laboratory discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Testing & Analysis: Perform routine physical, chemical, and organoleptic laboratory testing (e.g., pH, moisture, Brix, water activity, titration, temperature checks) on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Environmental & Microbiological Monitoring: Prepare laboratory reagents, conduct environmental swabbing (ATP/microbiological), and perform pre-operational line clearances to prevent cross-contamination.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), HACCP, allergen control protocols, and FDA/USDA regulations across the lab and production floor.
• Lab Equipment Maintenance: Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory instrumentation (pH meters, refractometers, analytical scales, moisture analyzers, thermometers) according to standard protocols.
• Documentation & Defect Management: Accurately log analytical lab data, place non-conforming product on hold, issue non-conformance reports, and assist with root-cause investigations.

Skills

Lab testing

cGMP/HACCP

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Education

HS diploma or GED

Associate degree/college coursework in related field

Tools

pH meters

Refractometers

Analytical scales

Moisture analyzers

Thermometers

Job description

Location

San Clemente, CA

Salary

$25.00 USD Hourly - $30.00 USD Hourly

Description

Food manufacturing company in the San Clemente, CA area is seeking a detail-oriented Quality Control (QC) Technician with hands-on laboratory experience to join their food manufacturing team. You will conduct lab testing, sanitation checks, ingredient sampling, and finished product evaluations to ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations, internal quality standards, and product consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory Testing & Analysis: Perform routine physical, chemical, and organoleptic laboratory testing (e.g., pH, moisture, Brix, water activity, titration, temperature checks) on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Environmental & Microbiological Monitoring: Prepare laboratory reagents, conduct environmental swabbing (ATP/microbiological), and perform pre-operational line clearances to prevent cross-contamination.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), HACCP, allergen control protocols, and FDA/USDA regulations across the lab and production floor.
• Lab Equipment Maintenance: Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory instrumentation (pH meters, refractometers, analytical scales, moisture analyzers, thermometers) according to standard protocols.
• Documentation & Defect Management: Accurately log analytical lab data, place non-conforming product on hold, issue non-conformance reports, and assist with root-cause investigations.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree or college coursework in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related laboratory discipline preferred.
• Experience:
  • Must have demonstrable experience working in a laboratory setting (wet chemistry, sample preparation, analytical testing, and lab safety protocols).
  • 1+ years of QC experience in a food, beverage, or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing environment preferred.
• Skills & Knowledge:
  • Proficiency operating standard food/wet lab equipment and interpreting test results accurately.
  • Familiarity with HACCP, SQF/BRC schemes, or FDA/USDA food safety guidelines.
  • Excellent attention to detail, organization, and strict personal hygiene/sanitation habits.
  • Ability to stand/walk for extended shifts in temperature-controlled production and lab environments and lift up to [e.g., 35–50 lbs].

Benefits & Compensation

They offer a competitive compensation package along with comprehensive benefits.