Weekend Coffee Quality Control Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Quality Control Technician II

Job Description

The Quality Control Technician II works within the quality department of a large flavor manufacturer that produces flavorings for coffee, tea, and other beverage products. In this role, you perform a wide range of wet bench testing on incoming raw materials and finished goods, collaborate closely with production teams on packaging inspections and routine quality checks, and ensure products meet all specifications before they are released for distribution.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily wet bench testing on incoming raw materials, intermediates, and finished products in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including pH, viscosity, Brix, density, titrations, and other analytical methods.
• Conduct comprehensive product testing such as sensory evaluation, refractive index, Brix, pH, turbidity, gas chromatography (GC), particle size testing, colorimetry, viscosity, density, water activity, manual titration, and additional tests as assigned.
• Ensure all products conform to established specifications and quality standards, and sign off on product quality prior to distribution.
• Support multiple quality and food safety programs to ensure site adherence to quality, food safety, and organizational objectives.
• Provide timely and consistent communication of testing results, findings, and status updates to relevant cross-functional groups to support day-to-day operations.
• Lead, maintain, and conduct training on relevant SOPs for QC team members and cross-functional partners, ensuring consistent understanding and application of procedures.
• Review and revise SOPs to align with current processes and best practices, contributing to continuous improvement of quality systems.
• Champion investigations by performing routine root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), using troubleshooting tactics to solve technical problems.
• Perform preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Create Certificates of Analysis (COAs), prepare microbiological samples, calibrate laboratory equipment, and maintain production and quality records to ensure compliance.
• 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 part of routine duties.
• Analyze test data and produce detailed reports that clearly document results, relevant specification information, and any deviations.
• File and organize raw material and finished product retains and records to maintain traceability and compliance with quality standards.
• Perform routine quality checks around the facility, including package inspections and verification activities in collaboration with production teams.
• Exhibit a professional appearance and demeanor while maintaining a safe, neat, and clean laboratory and production environment.

Essential Skills

• Experience in quality control and laboratory testing, including hands-on wet bench techniques.
• Bachelor of Science in a related field such as Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science/Technology, or a business-related discipline with 1+ years of laboratory experience (food laboratory experience preferred, but experience from industries such as pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, or personal care is also valued).
• Alternatively, a high school diploma with 3+ years of laboratory or flavor industry experience.
• Experience performing QC testing and working with laboratory instruments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly when sampling and handling raw materials.
• Strong ability to analyze and interpret data and translate findings into clear, detailed reports.
• Ability to maintain a sterile and clean environment while handling microbial samples.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in managing samples, records, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience working in the flavor industry is preferred.
• Experience working under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Bachelor of Science in a related field such as Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Food Science.
• Any laboratory quality testing experience, particularly in food or beverage applications.
• Experience with QC-related instruments such as pH meters, refractometers, densitometers, colorimeters, gas chromatographs (GC), water activity meters, and turbidimeters.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret information to support investigations and decision-making.
• Excellent organization skills for managing multiple programs, samples, and documentation simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats.

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

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/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 Wauconda,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.