Quality Control Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The Quality Control Technician actively monitors the production process to ensure products consistently meet food safety, food quality, and food defense requirements during processing, packing, and packaging. Reporting to the Quality Assurance Supervisor, this role performs hands-on testing, inspection, and documentation to verify that all products and processes comply with established standards and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities

• Perform regular checks throughout product processing to ensure all monitoring guidelines and procedures are followed.
• Inspect finished products against predetermined quality standards and determine acceptance or rejection based on results.
• Conduct biophysical testing on products, including viscosity, pH, water activity, moisture, and other quality measurements.
• Monitor and record temperatures of refrigerated rooms, freezers, and temperature-sensitive ingredients.
• Calibrate thermometers, scales, and other measuring and testing equipment to maintain accuracy.
• Monitor and verify the proper operation and performance of metal detectors on production lines.
• Review production documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with quality requirements.
• Monitor compliance with pre-operational requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) on the production floor.
• Collect, label, and maintain retention samples during production runs in accordance with company procedures.
• Participate in the frozen retention sample program, ensuring proper storage, handling, and documentation.
• Compile, organize, and distribute daily quality control paperwork and reports.
• Assist the Quality Control Supervisor with GMP audits and related documentation.
• Maintain organization, cleanliness, and orderliness of quality control work areas and equipment.
• Support the evaluation of raw materials and assist with sample preparation activities for testing and analysis.
• Maintain effective communication with cross-functional plant teams to address quality issues and support continuous improvement.
• Provide backup support for the QA Analyst as needed, including data entry and reporting tasks.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the QA Supervisor to support the overall quality and food safety program.

• Minimum 1 year of experience in food manufacturing; baking experience preferred.
• At least 6 months of quality assurance or quality control experience preferred.
• High school diploma required.
• Strong basic math skills for measurements, calculations, and data interpretation.
• Solid problem-solving abilities to identify, analyze, and resolve quality issues.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications for data entry, documentation, and reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear documentation and collaboration.
• Experience or familiarity with food safety, quality control, and inspection practices.
• Ability to perform laboratory-style testing, including pH, water testing, and viscosity testing.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as needed.
• Availability to work up to 7 days per week as business needs require.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including different hours and schedules.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in inspection, testing, and documentation.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment with strict quality standards.

• Associate degree or higher in a related field preferred.
• ServSafe, HACCP, Baking Science, SQF, or similar food safety and quality certifications preferred.
• Experience with SQF or other recognized food safety and quality management systems.
• Previous experience in a bakery or baked goods production environment.
• Experience with data entry and documentation in a quality control or laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and pre-operational inspections.
• Ability to calibrate and troubleshoot measuring equipment such as thermometers, scales, and metal detectors.
• Strong organizational skills to manage samples, paperwork, and multiple tasks simultaneously.

This role is based in a food manufacturing plant that produces baked goods for nationwide distribution. The facility operates in a fast-paced production environment with frequent exposure to the aromas and smells of a bakery. Team members work around industrial baking and packaging equipment, refrigerated rooms, freezers, and temperature-sensitive ingredients. The position requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in varying temperatures. Shifts may vary, and availability up to 7 days per week may be required based on production demands. The environment emphasizes food safety, quality, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices, with regular use of laboratory testing equipment, measuring instruments, and computer systems for data entry and reporting.

Job Type & Location

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

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

This is a fully onsite position in Halethorpe,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 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.