Quality Technician

Actalent; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Lab Technician for a first shift in New Berlin, WI. You will conduct standardized tests on finished foods, perform flavor analysis including allergens, and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities include labeling accuracy checks, holding non-conforming products, and collecting samples for microbiology and environmental monitoring. The role emphasizes strict safety and sanitation practices and teamwork to drive quality improvements.

Qualifications

• Two years of college with 1-2 years related experience.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment focused on quality.
• Familiar with SQF, HACCP, GMPs and plant programs.
• Experience in quality control/assurance in the food industry.
• Knowledge of SOPs for food manufacturing and testing.
• Understanding HACCP principles in food production.
• Ability to conduct standardized tests including sensory evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct standardized tests on intermediate and finished foods to verify quality and regulatory compliance.
• Perform flavor analysis by tasting products containing common allergens.
• Monitor metal detector operation and report malfunctions promptly.
• Gather retention, microbiological, and control samples per procedures.
• Prepare microbiological sample composites and paperwork for lab analysis.
• Examine product labels for accuracy and approve before printing.
• Place products on hold for quality or safety concerns and assist root-cause investigations.
• Complete daily quality paperwork and maintain thorough records.
• Adhere to SQF, HACCP, GMPs and sanitation standards.
• Analyze data to identify trends and assist process improvements.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues.
• Obtain environmental samples to monitor plant conditions.
• Perform other duties to support QA/QC objectives.

Skills

SQF compliance

HACCP

GMPs

Quality testing

Sensory evaluation

SOPs

Allergen handling

Education

Two years of college with related experience

High school diploma

Job description

Job Description

Quality Lab Technician

1st shift

Job Description

This full-time Quality Technician role supports a fast-paced food manufacturing operation by conducting standardized tests on intermediate and finished food products to ensure they meet established quality standards and regulatory requirements. The position focuses on evaluating product attributes such as size, color, and flavor, performing flavor analysis that involves tasting products containing common food allergens, and monitoring processes to maintain consistent quality. The role operates on a 1st shift schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and requires strict adherence to safety, sanitation, and quality programs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct standardized tests on intermediate and finished food products to verify compliance with quality standards and regulations for attributes such as size, color, and flavor.
• Perform flavor analysis by tasting products that may contain allergens including wheat, milk, soy, egg, peanut, tree nut, and sesame, ensuring products meet flavor and quality expectations.
• Check the metal detector regularly to confirm proper operation and promptly report any malfunctions to the appropriate personnel.
• Gather retention samples, microbiological samples, and control samples from raw materials and finished products in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare microbiological sample composites and complete associated paperwork for pickup and analysis by the laboratory.
• Examine product labels for accuracy and compliance and approve labels prior to completing printing.
• Place product on hold when quality or safety concerns arise and assist with investigations to determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Complete all required daily paperwork accurately and on time, maintaining thorough and organized records of quality activities.
• Comply with all safety and sanitation regulations, including SQF code, plant programs, HACCP, GMPs, and company policies, and enforce these requirements by reporting deficiencies when appropriate.
• Analyze quality data to identify trends and problem areas, and assist in resolving manufacturing processes or methods that negatively affect quality.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to address and resolve quality issues and to support continuous improvement of processes and methods.
• Obtain environmental samples as required for monitoring plant conditions and verifying compliance with environmental and sanitation standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall quality assurance and quality control objectives.

Essential Skills

• Education of either 2 years of college and 1-2 years of experience, OR a 4-year high school diploma and 3-5 years of progressively responsible related experience.
• Experience working in a food manufacturing environment, particularly in quality-focused roles.
• Comfort working with and enforcing food safety and quality systems such as SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and plant-specific programs.
• Demonstrated experience in quality control, quality assurance, or quality inspection within the food industry.
• Working knowledge of standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to food manufacturing and quality testing.
• Understanding of HACCP principles and their application in a food production environment.
• Ability to conduct standardized tests on food products, including visual, physical, and sensory evaluations.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment that focuses on producing solid products such as cakes. The facility operates on a 1st shift schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, providing a consistent work routine. The plant environment can be on the colder side due to the nature of the products and processes, so team members should be comfortable working in lower temperatures and dressing appropriately for a cooler production setting. The work involves regular interaction with food ingredients and finished products, including those containing common allergens, and requires adherence to strict safety, sanitation, and quality standards. The culture emphasizes a fun and engaging atmosphere, with a dynamic, stimulating environment that encourages employees to stretch their abilities, develop their talents, and grow through training, mentoring, and advancement opportunities, supported by competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of New Berlin, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.