Quality Control Technician

Quality Control Technician - Henrico, Virginia

Shift: 5:00am - 1:30pm

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity to apply fundamental laboratory and quality control skills in a food processing environment. The Quality Control Technician performs analytical testing on incoming, in-process, and finished materials, supports production with real-time quality checks, and helps maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices. This position is ideal for someone with basic science and laboratory skills who is interested in gaining hands-on experience, including candidates taking a gap year before graduate school.

Responsibilities

• Perform analysis of incoming, in-process, and finished materials using standardized analytical procedures, including tests such as pH, turbidity, Brix, salt, alcohol, total nitrogen, microbiological sampling and testing, and other related methods.
• Conduct standardized quality sampling and checks during production, documenting results and promptly reporting variances and non-conformities to management.
• Support production operations by conducting quality inspections before, during, and between product runs to ensure consistent product quality.
• Monitor plant sanitation and personal hygiene practices in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices for food processing facilities and current company GMP policies, and report repeat non-compliance to management.
• Prepare samples for shipment to external laboratories, coordinate outside testing, update test results, and alert management to any discrepancies or issues.
• Place product on quality hold when necessary and release product from hold in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Receive new ingredients, contact suppliers to obtain required documentation, and maintain accurate and organized ingredient information files.
• Organize and update all laboratory quality control documentation, including standard operating procedures, forms, charts, tables, and analysis data, and perform data entry to keep records current.
• Maintain laboratory equipment by performing routine calibration, performance verification, and basic troubleshooting of instruments and systems as needed.
• Manage laboratory supply inventory for general analyses, including preparation and maintenance of solutions and ordering or organizing general office supplies.
• Support the quality control leadership team in addressing customer service issues related to product quality and testing.
• Assist the quality control team with special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform basic laboratory techniques, including pipetting, micro plating techniques, pH testing, and reading a graduated cylinder.
• Basic understanding of science and laboratory principles relevant to quality control in a food processing environment, gained through experience or a degree.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications for data entry, documentation, and reporting.
• Strong organization and time management skills to manage multiple tests, documentation, and production support activities.
• Fundamental knowledge of quality control practices and awareness of food safety concepts such as HACCP.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Basic laboratory experience in a quality control or food-related environment, or completion of relevant science coursework.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in food processing facilities.
• Interest in gaining practical experience before pursuing graduate studies, as the role is structured as a one-year contract.
• Motivation to learn, take on new responsibilities, and grow within a quality-focused organization.

Work Environment

This is a 1st shift position with working hours from 5:00am - 1:30pm.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Henrico, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $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 Henrico,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 6, 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 ... 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.