Manual QA Engineer / Hybrid / Greater Chicago Area

An established and highly respected organization within the food ingredients industry is seeking a QA Engineer (3rd Shift) to join its growing Quality team. This role plays a critical part in ensuring product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across incoming materials, production processes, and finished goods. The position offers the opportunity to work in a people-first culture that values integrity, continuous improvement, and collaboration.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented quality professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing and distribution environment. You’ll have hands-on ownership of quality checks, laboratory testing, documentation, and food safety programs, while partnering closely with production and operations teams to maintain the highest standards. The organization is known for long-term stability, a strong internal culture, and sustained investment in employees—making this an excellent opportunity to build a meaningful and lasting career in food quality assurance.

Shift: 3rd Shift | 9:30 PM – 6:00 AM

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis now and in the future. Sponsorship is not available.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
• 5–7 years of experience in food manufacturing, processing, or distribution.
• Prior quality assurance experience in a food environment.
• Strong working knowledge of food safety programs and standards, including HACCP, GFSI/BRC, SOPs, allergen control, and environmental monitoring.
• PCQI and HACCP certifications preferred.
• Experience performing analytical and laboratory tests such as pH, brix, refractometer, and HPLC.
• Ability to document, interpret, and evaluate lab results against internal, vendor, and customer specifications.
• High attention to detail with strong computer skills, including Excel and production/QA documentation systems.
• Excellent verbal communication, technical writing, and employee training skills.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving environments and collaborating across departments.
• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs occasionally.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel up to 5% as needed.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Perform individual and group projects assigned by Quality leadership.
• Collect ingredient and product samples and conduct quality checks throughout production.
• Inspect inbound and outbound trucks in accordance with shipping and receiving programs.
• Conduct quality inspections of raw materials, packaging components, finished products, and labeling.
• Generate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) in a timely and accurate manner.
• Document and interpret laboratory results to ensure compliance with all specifications.
• Communicate and escalate food safety or quality concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain calibration schedules for lab equipment and manage lab supply inventory.
• Coordinate samples sent to third-party laboratories and customers, ensuring all required testing is completed.
• Administer and follow environmental monitoring and testing programs.
• Identify, report, and follow up on process deviations, product failures, and non-conformances.
• Stop production when necessary to address quality or food safety risks and communicate findings to management.
• Maintain QA records, non-compliance investigations, and support monthly management review discussions.
• Conduct employee training and maintain training documentation.
• Implement, manage, and maintain food safety and quality systems and programs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement program
• Paid holidays, including an end-of-year holiday refresh break
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Company-sponsored well-being and wellness initiatives
• Employer-paid term life insurance
• Standard short- and long-term disability coverage
  
  

Posted By: Kevin Flaherty