Quality Inspector

Actalent; Maryland; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Maryland is seeking a Quality Inspector to support daily production by sampling, inspecting, and testing spices and seasonings. You will monitor critical control points and verify compliance with GMPs, GLPs, and food-safety standards.

You will review seasoning and batch cards, verify labels and weights, conduct metal-detection checks, document deviations, and maintain accurate records. Collaborating with operations and QA teams, you will help drive continuous quality improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field preferred.
• Experience in quality inspection in production or lab settings.
• Familiarity with GMP/GLP and food-safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform sampling and basic testing of spices in lab and production.
• Conduct organoleptic sensory testing to assess quality.
• Review labels, weights and batch cards for accuracy.
• Ensure proper metal detection checks on production lines.
• Document deviations and report to supervisors promptly.
• Maintain cleanliness and organize inspection records.

Skills

Quality inspection

Laboratory testing

Documentation

GMP/GLP knowledge

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Quality Inspector

Job Description

The Quality Inspector supports daily operations in a production environment by performing critical sampling, inspection, and basic testing of spices and seasonings. This role ensures product integrity and quality by monitoring critical control points and verifying compliance with regulatory food safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs). The Quality Inspector plays a vital role in identifying deviations, supporting corrective actions, and contributing to the continuous improvement of quality manufacturing processes, including detailed review of seasoning and batch cards and organoleptic sensory testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform sampling and basic physical testing of spices and seasonings in both laboratory and production environments.
• Conduct organoleptic sensory testing of spices and seasonings to assess flavor, aroma, appearance, and texture.
• Review seasoning and batch cards to verify accuracy, completeness, and alignment with production requirements.
• Ensure accurate label and weight verification of raw materials and finished product packaging on production lines.
• Monitor and conduct checks of metal detection control points during production to ensure proper function and compliance.
• Verify correct information and labeling of staged ingredients for the production of seasoning formulations.
• Ensure adherence to GMPs, GLPs, and food safety standards throughout all inspection and testing activities.
• Document and report all deviations and non-conformances to operations leads and quality control supervisors in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform quality checks and visual inspections to identify defects, non-conforming materials, or process issues.
• Complete data entry and maintain accurate records of inspections, tests, and quality-related activities.
• Support laboratory activities, including sample preparation, handling, and receiving of materials for testing.
• Assist with inspection and management of samples and materials in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the work environment in both laboratory and production areas.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support corrective and preventive actions that improve product quality and process performance.
• Perform other duties as requested in support of departmental and broader company business needs.

Essential Skills

• Experience in quality inspection, quality control, or quality assurance in a production or laboratory environment.
• Ability to perform sample testing, including basic physical and organoleptic testing of food products such as spices and seasonings.
• Proficiency in quality control inspection and visual inspection techniques to identify defects and non-conformances.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately review labels, weights, and documentation such as seasoning and batch cards.
• Strong decision-making skills based on training and experience, with the ability to act promptly on quality issues.
• Proactive mindset with initiative to follow through on tasks to resolution.
• Previous experience in a laboratory or food manufacturing environment preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear documentation and reporting of findings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with operations, quality, and other teams.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for data entry, reporting, and documentation.
• Comfort working with quality checks related to metal detection, labeling, and packaging verification.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, ideally in a related field such as food science, chemistry, biology, or a similar discipline.
• Background or coursework in laboratory practices, chemistry, or food science is beneficial.
• Experience working with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).
• Familiarity with food safety standards and regulatory requirements in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in laboratory sample preparation, sample receiving, and basic lab procedures.
• Experience working with spices, seasonings, or other food ingredients is an advantage.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support multiple facilities or production lines as needed.
• Interest in growing wi