Sensory Panelist/Taste Tester

ACTalent; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

PTO

Job summary

ACTalent is seeking dependable part-time Sensory Panelists to join our team in Arlington, VA. You will evaluate food and beverage products, provide precise feedback on appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel, and participate in training sessions.

Onboarding occurs on a regular panel schedule; you will document results in electronic systems and collaborate with fellow panelists in a controlled environment. This onsite role offers hourly compensation and benefits eligibility as described.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be available for onboarding training and regular panel schedule.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good communication and teamwork.
• Ability to safely taste and evaluate various products.
• Willingness to complete acuity screening and interview process.

Responsibilities

• Participate in sensory training and calibration sessions.
• Evaluate products using established sensory testing methods.
• Provide objective, consistent, and unbiased feedback.
• Enter responses accurately using electronic systems.
• Follow safety, quality, confidentiality, and site requirements.
• Work professionally with other panelists and Sensory team members.
• Support labeling tasting cups and setting trays as needed.

Skills

High school diploma

Onboarding availability

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Good communication

Tasting ability

Willingness for screening

Reliable and punctual

Group discussion participation

Open to training and feedback

Interest in food & beverage

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking dependable part-time Sensory Panelists to join our Sensory Panel. In this role, you will evaluate food and beverage products and provide accurate and consistent feedback on their appearance, aroma, flavor, taste, texture, and mouthfeel.

Responsibilities

• Participate in sensory training and calibration sessions.

• Evaluate products using established sensory testing methods.

• Provide objective, consistent, and unbiased feedback.

• Enter responses accurately using electronic systems.

• Follow all safety, quality, confidentiality, and site requirements.

• Work professionally with other panelists and Sensory team members.

• Support tasks as needed such as labeling tasting cups and setting tasting trays.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Availability for onboarding training and the regular panel schedule.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.

• Basic computer skills.

• Good communication skills and ability to work in a team setting.

• Ability to safely taste and evaluate a variety of food and beverage products.

• Willingness to complete the sensory acuity screening and interview process.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Reliable and punctual.

• Comfortable participating in group discussions.

• Open to training and feedback.

• Interested in food and beverage products.

Work Environment - Part Time

The schedule includes onboarding training on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and a regular schedule on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The work involves collaboration with a team of sensory professionals in a controlled environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Arlington, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Arlington, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Arlington,VA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.