Quality Control Associate

Job Title: Quality Control Associate

Job Description

The Quality Control Associate ensures that in-process and finished flexible packaging products meet strict customer and regulatory specifications for the global healthcare market. This role focuses on precise measurement, visual inspection, and documentation within a cleanroom environment, supporting the production of high-quality materials used in medical device, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and life sciences applications. The position offers training, exposure to multiple aspects of the business, and opportunities for growth into other departments and leadership roles within a stable, expanding organization.

Responsibilities

• Check in-process and finished products to verify they meet defined quality standards and job order specifications.
• Perform strength and tensile testing using measurement tools, including ruler-based measurements down to 1/64th of an inch.
• Review products for accurate color standards and consistency across production runs.
• Test seal strength on pouches and other packaging to ensure integrity and performance.
• Conduct detailed visual inspections and precise ruler measurements of pouches, making approximately 10 measurements per pouch as part of quality checks and tests.
• Ensure all products meet customer specifications as outlined in job orders and related documentation.
• Identify, document, and clearly communicate any pouch or product quality discrepancies to relevant production personnel, including machine operators, so that defects can be corrected promptly.
• Complete all required labeling, quality forms, and paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.
• Pack finished products into bundles and prepare them for shipping according to established procedures.
• Work collaboratively with team members in the cleanroom and with production personnel on the manufacturing floor to support smooth workflow and consistent quality.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and all quality control inspection procedures at all times.
• Adhere to cleanroom protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with restrictions such as no fragrances and no phone use in the lab.
• Handle and inspect materials such as films, foils, chemicals, peelable solutions, and other engineered flexible materials used in healthcare packaging.
• Maintain a high level of organization, attention to detail, and accuracy while performing repetitive tasks and sitting for extended periods.

Essential Skills

• Experience with quality control or lab testing, which may come from academic laboratory work or industry settings, with industry experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to perform precise measurements, including using rulers and other tools to measure down to 1/64th of an inch.
• Strong visual inspection skills with the ability to detect defects, color variations, and other quality issues.
• Familiarity with quality control inspection practices and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Proven attention to detail and accuracy in repetitive tasks and documentation.
• Good organizational skills to manage samples, paperwork, and workflow efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working in fast-paced settings such as production, manufacturing, or food service.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with coworkers, including lab teammates and production personnel, when reporting defects or quality concerns.
• Comfort with repetitive work and the ability to remain focused while sitting for long periods.
• Reliability in attendance and transportation to maintain consistent presence on shift.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a lab and production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree, preferably in a science-related field, or equivalent non-degreed experience in quality or laboratory work.
• Consideration for candidates with a high school diploma who demonstrate reliability, strong attention to detail, and comfort with repetitive, seated work.
• Experience in a cleanroom or controlled environment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe handling of films, foils, chemicals, and peelable solutions.
• Interest in learning about engineered flexible materials and healthcare packaging requirements.
• Motivation to grow within the company, with openness to future opportunities in other departments or leadership roles.
• Friendly, collaborative attitude and ability to work well with a small group of colleagues in close proximity.

Work Environment

This is a full-time role on the first shift, typically working from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Training takes place on first shift for approximately 4 to 6 weeks on the same schedule. The position is based primarily in a cleanroom laboratory environment where you will work closely with about four to five other team members. You will spend a significant portion of your day seated, performing detailed measurements and visual inspections of pouches and other packaging materials. The role requires wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-toed shoes, and following all cleanroom protocols. Fragrances and phone use are not allowed in the lab to maintain product integrity and a controlled environment. You will interact regularly with production personnel on the manufacturing floor and occasionally with visiting clients. The facility focuses on engineered flexible materials such as films, foils, chemicals, peelable solutions, and clear high-barrier films used in healthcare packaging. The organization is stable and growing, with a culture that values internal promotion, cross-department exposure, and innovation in material science, providing an engaging and development-focused workplace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Addison, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Addison,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.