Quality Technician - 1st Shift

Socket.dev; Manteno (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Manteno, IL is seeking a QC Technician for an hourly role reporting to the Quality Supervisor. You will perform hands-on testing of raw materials, in-process and finished products to uphold product quality and food safety.

Responsibilities include conducting standard tests (pH, moisture, salt, viscosity, Titratable Acidity, metal detector), recording results in SafetyChain, calibrating equipment, and alerting when specs are not met.

Qualifications

• Degree or technical background in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or equivalent work experience.
• Competence in math and analytical calculations.
• Good organization skills and detailed reporting.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience in a food manufacturing environment is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical tests on raw materials and finished products using standard methods.
• Conduct QC tests (Titratable acidity, salt, viscosity, moisture, pH, metal detector) per protocol and document results.
• Maintain test results in SafetyChain and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Perform equipment calibrations (pH meter, scales, thermometer, viscometer).
• Verify batch and finished goods conformance with labeling, packaging, dating, and customer specs.
• Conduct sensory tests and report non-conformances; collect retention samples and store properly.
• Put HOLD tags on non-conforming products and manage MRB records.
• Participate in area safety inspections and root-cause analyses as needed.

Skills

Math & analytical calculations

Good organization skills

Detail reporting

Communication & interpersonal skills

Education

Food Science / Chemistry / Microbiology degree

Job description

Description

This is an hourly position at Manteno plant, reporting to the Quality Supervisor. QC Technician performs hands‑on routine & non‑routine analysis of raw materials, in‑process & finished products using a variety of testing devices & procedures to maintain product quality and food safety. Conducts GMP compliance inspections to ensure product safety & overall quality specifications are consistently complied.

Requirements

• Perform analytical tests on raw materials & finished products using standard methods of analysis as per established procedures.
• Conduct various QC tests (Titratable Acidity, Total Salt, Viscosity, Moisture, pH, metal detector etc.) as per protocol, document results & ensure consistent specification compliance.
• Maintain an orderly record of all test results in SafetyChain, the company web-based Food Safety & Quality Systems database.
• Perform equipment calibrations (pH meter, weighing scale, thermometer, viscometer etc.).
• Perform weight monitoring as per SOP, alert production on any non‑compliance for prompt adjustment.
• Perform product leak detection tests as per SOP; alert production on any non‑compliance for prompt adjustments that need to be completed before proceeding with packing operation.
• Conducts QCP & CCP tests - pH & metal detector as per protocol, documents results & confirms specs compliance using SafetyChain Food Safety & QM systems
• Perform in‑coming raw material testing, ensure specs conformance, & document results.
• Verify batch & finished goods compliance with all specifications including labeling, packaging, code dating & other customer specific requirements.
• Conduct sensory tests on finished products, compare with standard & ensure product consistency; promptly reports non‑compliance to the QC Supervisor.
• Collect retention samples for future reference; ensure organized storage & periodic disposal following required retention period according to product types.
• Ensure that control samples for batch check reference are replaced as per SOP; keeps control samples organized for efficient collection as needed for reference.
• Collect samples for micro testing as needed, following sampling guidelines & storage.
• Inspect products retained for shelf life to substantiate product defect claim during the process of customer complaints investigation.
• Prepare flavors as needed per pick list required by production.
• Ensure that only approved specs deviation is used in actual production.
• Perform swab test, allergen test as per established procedures, documents result in Safetychain.
• Promptly report to the Supervisor or Manager any non‑compliant critical results on batch or finished goods testing or if any corrective action does not resolve issues.
• Put “HOLD” tag on non‑conforming products , record in the MRB/SafetyChain; remove tag as soon as management disposition is issued.
• Participate in work areas inspection to detect unsafe conditions.
• Participate in Root Cause analysis & corrective action development involving customer complaint or any nonconformance.
• Assist in product test runs, equipment validation as needed by QC Supervisor or R&D.
• Inspect incoming materials for conformance to company standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED:

• Degree or Technical background in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, etc. or equivalent work experience.
• Competence in math & analytical calculations.
• Good organization skills & detailed reporting skills.
• Good communication & interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience in food manufacturing environment is an advantage.