Entry Level Quality Control Inspector Jobs in Baltimore, MD

Job Title: Quality Inspector

Job Description

The Quality Inspector supports daily production operations by performing critical sampling, inspection, and basic testing of spices and seasonings in both laboratory and manufacturing environments. This role ensures product integrity and food safety by monitoring critical control points, verifying compliance with regulatory standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and conducting detailed documentation. The Quality Inspector plays a vital role in identifying deviations, supporting corrective actions, and contributing to continuous improvement in quality manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Perform sampling and basic physical and organoleptic (sensory) testing of spices and seasonings in laboratory and production environments.
• Conduct organoleptic sensory testing to evaluate flavor, aroma, and appearance of spices and seasonings.
• Review seasoning and batch cards to ensure accuracy and completeness before and during production.
• Ensure accurate label and weight verification of raw materials and finished product packaging on production lines.
• Monitor and perform checks of metal detection control points during production to confirm proper function and compliance.
• Verify the correctness of information and labeling on staged ingredients used in seasoning formulations.
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and applicable food safety standards at all times.
• Document and report all deviations and non-conformances to operations leads and quality control supervisors in a timely and accurate manner.
• Support quality inspection, quality control, and quality assurance activities, including visual inspection and sample testing.
• Perform basic laboratory tasks related to sample preparation, inspection, and testing, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of work areas, including laboratory and production spaces, in accordance with company standards.
• Perform data entry and maintain accurate records of inspections, tests, and quality checks.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to support corrective and preventive actions when quality issues arise.
• Handle multiple assignments and prioritize tasks to meet production and quality timelines.
• Perform other duties as requested in support of departmental and broader company business needs.

Essential Skills

• Experience in quality inspection, quality control, or quality assurance within a laboratory or food manufacturing environment (preferred).
• Ability to perform sample testing, basic physical testing, and organoleptic sensory evaluation of food products.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy in inspection, documentation, and data entry.
• Strong decision-making skills based on training and practical experience.
• Proactive approach with the initiative to follow tasks through to resolution.
• Previous experience in a laboratory or food manufacturing environment (preferred).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear reporting and collaboration.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with production, operations, and quality teams.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, reporting, and data management.
• Comfort working with quality control inspection tools, visual inspection methods, and basic laboratory equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, particularly in a relevant field such as Food Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• Experience working with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).
• Familiarity with food safety standards and regulatory requirements in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with metal detection systems and critical control point monitoring in production.
• Background or coursework in chemistry, laboratory techniques, or food science is advantageous.
• Comfort working with chemicals of varying hazards in a controlled laboratory setting.
• Ability to adapt to changing production priorities and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Interest in developing a career within a growing food manufacturing organization with multiple facilities.

Work Environment

This role operates in both manufacturing and laboratory settings. The position requires moderate standing, walking, reaching, climbing, stacking, and lifting throughout the shift. The production environment can be loud, with exposure to dusty conditions and strong spice odors; temperatures may vary and can be hot or cold depending on the area and process. The laboratory environment involves working with chemicals of varying hazards, following appropriate safety procedures and handling protocols. The facility is part of a large, multi-site spice manufacturing operation, offering exposure to modern production lines, quality control laboratories, and opportunities for internal mobility across different facilities. Team members are expected to maintain a clean and sanitary work area and follow all safety and food safety guidelines while working in an active, fast-paced production environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Jessup, MD.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in Jessup,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.