Quality Technician

Actalent; Missouri; On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to uphold food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced Missouri manufacturing setting. You will perform inspections, sampling, testing, and meticulous documentation to ensure products meet specifications.

You will collaborate with Production, Sanitation, and Quality teams to monitor processes, investigate concerns, and support continuous improvement while following GMPs and food safety programs.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Animal Science, Agricultural Science, or related field preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, laboratory, quality assurance, or related environments through work experience, internships, co-ops, or academic programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine quality inspections and testing of raw materials, in-process products, packaging materials, and finished goods to verify compliance with established specifications.
• Conduct product sampling and environmental monitoring activities according to established procedures and sampling plans.
• Perform basic quality testing using instruments such as pH meters, thermometers, scales, and other QA equipment.
• Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with GMPs, sanitation requirements, and SOPs.
• Complete line checks to verify product attributes, packaging integrity, coding accuracy, labeling, and product specifications.
• Accurately document inspection results, testing data, observations, and quality activities.
• Identify and communicate quality concerns, deviations, and non-conformances to appropriate personnel.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective action activities related to quality and food safety issues.
• Assist with internal audits, facility inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Sanitation, and Quality teams to ensure consistent product quality and safety.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality systems, operational efficiency, and compliance.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization within designated quality assurance work areas.
• Follow all company safety, food safety, and quality procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Documentation accuracy

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data entry

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

The Quality Assurance Technician supports food safety, quality, and compliance initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for performing inspections, testing, sampling, documentation, and process monitoring activities to ensure products meet company specifications and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will work closely with Production, Sanitation, and Quality teams to maintain food safety standards, investigate quality concerns, and support continuous improvement efforts. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building a career in food safety, quality assurance, and manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine quality inspections and testing of raw materials, in-process products, packaging materials, and finished goods to verify compliance with established specifications.
• Conduct product sampling and environmental monitoring activities according to established procedures and sampling plans.
• Perform basic quality testing using instruments such as pH meters, thermometers, scales, and other quality assurance equipment.
• Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with food safety programs, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation requirements, and standard operating procedures.
• Complete line checks to verify product attributes, packaging integrity, coding accuracy, labeling, and product specifications.
• Accurately document inspection results, testing data, observations, and quality activities.
• Identify and communicate quality concerns, deviations, and non-conformances to appropriate personnel.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective action activities related to quality and food safety issues.
• Assist with internal audits, facility inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Sanitation, and Quality teams to ensure consistent product quality and food safety performance.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality systems, operational efficiency, and compliance.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization within designated quality assurance work areas.
• Follow all company safety, food safety, and quality procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Animal Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, laboratory, quality assurance, quality control, food production, or related environments through work experience, internships, co-ops, or academic programs.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document observations and test results.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office applications and data entry.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions while following established procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with teams across the facility.
• Comfortable working in manufacturing environments that may include cold, wet, noisy, or fast-paced conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform inspections throughout the duration of a shift.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in food manufacturing, dairy, beverage, consumer products, pharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of food safety programs including HACCP, GMPs, SQF, BRC, or related quality systems.
• Experience performing quality inspections, sampling, laboratory testing, or environmental monitoring.
• Familiarity with microbiological sampling procedures and quality documentation practices.
• Experience supporting audits, investigations, corrective actions, or continuous improvement activities.
• Experience calibrating or verifying measuring and monitoring equipment.
• Exposure to FDA, USDA, FSMA, or other food industry regulations.

Key Competencies

• Food Safety & Quality
• Attention to Detail
• Documentation Accuracy
• Problem Solving
• Inspection & Monitoring
• Data Collection & Analysis
• Regulatory Compliance
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Continuous Improvement
• Communication Skills
• Time Management

Work Environment

This position supports a 24/7 manufacturing operation and is primarily based on the production floor. Team members should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while performing inspections, collecting samples, and interacting regularly with Production, Maintenance, and Sanitation personnel.