Quality Control Technician

Job Title: Quality Control Technician

Job Description

The Quality Control Technician works in the quality department of a large flavor manufacturer. In this role, you perform wet bench testing on incoming raw materials and finished products, support routine quality checks throughout the facility, and collaborate closely with production to verify packaging and product quality before distribution. You help ensure that all products meet established specifications, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily testing of all raw materials, intermediates, and finished products in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure all products conform to defined specifications and quality standards before release.
• Conduct product testing, including sensory evaluation, refractive index, brix, pH, turbidity, gas chromatography (GC), particle size testing, colorimetry, viscosity, density, water activity, manual titration, and other tests as assigned.
• Analyze test data and prepare detailed reports that clearly document results and relevant specification information.
• Collect microbial samples and maintain a sterile, clean environment throughout the sampling and testing process.
• Sample incoming raw materials for analysis, including repeatedly lifting containers up to 50 pounds.
• Create Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for products as required.
• Prepare microbiological samples and ensure they are handled and stored appropriately.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment regularly to maintain accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Maintain accurate production and quality records to support compliance with internal and external requirements.
• File and organize raw material and finished product retains and records to ensure traceability.
• Perform routine quality checks around the facility and support package inspections in collaboration with production.
• Sign off on product quality prior to distribution, ensuring all necessary checks are completed.
• Exhibit a professional appearance and demeanor while maintaining a safe, neat, and clean work environment.
• Work effectively within the quality laboratory team and communicate clearly with production and other departments as needed.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on quality control or laboratory experience in any industry, such as food, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, or personal care.
• Experience performing laboratory-based quality testing, including wet bench techniques.
• Ability to conduct and interpret tests such as pH, viscosity, brix, density, titrations, and related measurements.
• Capability to collect microbial samples and maintain a sterile or clean testing environment.
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds while sampling and handling raw materials.
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret test results and compare them to specifications.
• Proficiency in creating clear and accurate quality documentation and reports.
• Ability to calibrate and properly use laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining records, retains, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also contributing effectively to a team.
• Professional conduct and commitment to maintaining a safe, neat, and clean work environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a related field such as Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Food Science (degree not required; open to new graduates with a science degree and 0 years of experience).
• Any prior laboratory quality testing experience, especially in a food or beverage laboratory, is highly valued.
• Previous experience working in the flavor industry is preferred.
• Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is a plus.
• Familiarity with food safety and quality systems such as HACCP, Food Safety Plan (FSP), ISO, SQF, BRC, or equivalent Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) criteria.
• 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 complex information and make sound decisions based on data.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and perform consistently with minimal supervision.

Work Environment

This is a first-shift position, typically scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The role requires flexibility to work roughly every third Saturday, with the option to start earlier than regular hours on those days. Saturday work and necessary overtime are scheduled in advance, generally a month ahead. You work primarily in a quality laboratory alongside other lab technicians, using a range of analytical instruments and equipment to test raw materials and finished products. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, and you are expected to maintain a neat and professional appearance while following all safety and housekeeping practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Wauconda, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Wauconda,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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.