Quality Control Technician

Job Title: Quality Control TechnicianJob Description

The Quality Control Technician works in the quality department of a large flavor manufacturer that produces flavorings for coffee, tea, and other beverages. In this role, you perform wet bench testing on incoming raw materials and finished products, collaborate closely with production to complete package inspections and routine quality checks, and sign off on products before they are distributed. You help ensure that all materials and finished goods meet established specifications and comply with standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily testing of all raw materials, intermediates, and finished products in accordance with established standard operating procedures and specifications.
• Conduct a wide range of product tests, including sensory evaluation, refractive index, brix, pH, turbidity, gas chromatography (GC), particle size testing, colorimetry, viscosity, density, water activity, manual titration, and other assigned analyses.
• Assure product conformance to specifications by accurately recording, reviewing, and interpreting test results.
• Analyze data and produce detailed reports that clearly document results, trends, and relevant specification information.
• Take microbial samples while maintaining a sterile and clean environment throughout the sampling and testing process.
• Sample incoming raw materials for analysis, including repeatedly lifting containers up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Create Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for finished products based on test results and specification requirements.
• Prepare microbiological samples for further analysis in accordance with quality and safety standards.
• Calibrate and verify laboratory equipment routinely to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Maintain production and quality records to support compliance with internal procedures and external requirements.
• File and organize raw material and finished product retains and associated records for traceability and future reference.
• Perform routine quality checks around the facility and work closely with production to complete package inspections and quality sign-offs prior to product distribution.
• Exhibit a professional appearance and demeanor while maintaining a safe, neat, and clean laboratory and work environment.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on quality control or laboratory experience; food laboratory experience is preferred but experience from pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, personal care, or other laboratory-based industries is also suitable.
• Ability to perform wet bench testing, including measurements of pH, viscosity, brix, density, titrations, and related analyses.
• Capability to follow and adhere to established standard operating procedures for testing and documentation.
• Ability to analyze and interpret test data and translate findings into clear, detailed reports.
• Competence in taking microbial samples while maintaining sterile and clean techniques.
• Physical ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds when sampling and handling raw materials.
• Strong organization skills with attention to detail in testing, documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively with production and other lab personnel.
• Professional conduct with a focus on maintaining a safe, orderly, and clean laboratory environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Laboratory experience without a degree is acceptable when supported by relevant hands-on quality or QC testing experience.
• Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in a scientific field such as Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience working in the flavor industry.
• Experience working in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environment.
• Experience using QC instruments such as pH meters, refractometers, densitometers, colorimeters, gas chromatographs (GC), water activity meters, and turbidimeters.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret technical information and test data.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tests and priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a laboratory team with minimal supervision.
• Interest in long-term growth and development within a growing company.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, first-shift position, typically scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The role includes working roughly every third Saturday, with some flexibility to start earlier on Saturdays; these weekend shifts are scheduled in advance and may involve necessary overtime. You work primarily in a quality control laboratory alongside other lab technicians, using a range of analytical instruments and standard laboratory equipment to test raw materials and finished beverage flavor products. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, with an expectation of maintaining a neat and professional appearance. The role involves regular interaction with production personnel and movement between the lab and production areas, as well as periodic lifting of raw material containers up to 50 pounds.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Crystal Lake,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 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 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 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.