Echo tech Jobs in Downey, CA

Job Title: QC Technician

Job Description

The QC Technician ensures that all food safety and quality parameters are consistently met by performing laboratory and in-process testing in a fast-paced production environment. This role focuses on accurate sampling, testing, documentation, and equipment calibration to verify that products meet established specifications and regulatory requirements. The QC Technician plays a key role in identifying and isolating non-conforming product, supporting food safety programs, and maintaining a robust retain sample library.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all parameters of food safety and quality are followed and maintained in the laboratory and designated production areas.
• Calibrate laboratory and production line equipment to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Collect in-process and finished product samples and perform standardized qualitative and quantitative testing to verify they meet specifications.
• Perform and record product evaluation tests in accordance with HACCP plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other food safety and quality programs.
• Accurately document and record all required information in the computer system in accordance with SOPs.
• Conduct ATP testing as part of the allergen control program to verify sanitation effectiveness.
• Perform microbiological testing as required to support food safety and quality programs.
• Maintain and organize the retain sample library to ensure proper traceability and reference.
• Recognize quality deficiencies and initiate appropriate follow-up actions to address issues.
• Identify and isolate product that does not meet company standards and ensure proper disposition decisions are carried out.
• Perform QC tasks including product sampling, line monitoring, auditing, laboratory testing, and equipment calibration to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Hold products that do not meet quality standards and coordinate appropriate disposition in alignment with company procedures.
• Understand and apply all information contained within product specification sheets.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the quality characteristics of each product being packaged.
• Conduct laboratory testing procedures such as brix, refractive index, pH, density, sensory evaluation, weight checks, moisture analysis, and related tests.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments including pH meters, viscosity meters, UV/visible measurement equipment, and gas chromatography systems (GCMS).
• Follow and comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety regulations, and SOPs at all times.
• Collaborate with production and other departments to support continuous operation of a busy manufacturing schedule, including weekend support as needed.

Essential Skills

• Experience in quality control or laboratory work within a food manufacturing or related environment.
• Proficiency in conducting lab testing procedures such as brix, refractive index, pH, density, sensory evaluation, weights, and moisture testing.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment including pH meters, viscosity meters, UV/visible measurement equipment, and gas chromatography systems (GCMS).
• Strong understanding of food safety principles, including HACCP, GMPs, and related food safety and quality programs.
• Ability to perform ATP testing and microbiological testing in accordance with established protocols.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately document test results and maintain records in computer systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply information from product specification sheets and understand product quality characteristics.
• Capability to identify non-conforming product, hold product as needed, and support appropriate disposition decisions.
• Ability to wear a half-face respirator when working with specific chemicals in production, and to comply with all related safety requirements.
• Willingness and ability to work second shift (3:00 . to 11:30 and to work one weekend day as part of a six-day workweek when scheduled.
• Commitment to building a long-term career in the food industry.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AA, BA, or BS degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related science field, OR at least 1 year of food quality control experience with specific hands-on testing such as brix, refractive index, pH, density, sensory, weight, and moisture analysis.
• Experience in food science or chemistry with familiarity in laboratory best practices.
• Experience working with gas chromatography and related analytical techniques.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain retain sample libraries and testing schedules.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy production environment that operates seven days a week.
• Flexibility to work different start times on weekend shifts when scheduled (for example, early morning start times).
• Interest in growing and staying within the food industry over the long term.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory setting within a food manufacturing facility, focused on testing food products for pH, viscosity, and other quality attributes. The QC Technician works primarily on second shift from 3:00 . to 11:30 ., Monday through Friday, with an expectation to work one weekend day as part of a six-day workweek when scheduled. Weekend shifts may have different hours than weekday shifts, such as early morning start times. During the initial training period (approximately one to two weeks), the schedule will be 10:00 . to 6:30 . The production facility operates seven days a week, and the laboratory is staffed to support production schedules, which may occasionally require flexibility in days and hours, including back-to-back weekends when covering absences or vacations. The environment involves regular use of laboratory equipment such as pH meters, viscosity meters, UV/visible instruments, and gas chromatography systems, as well as working near production lines. The role may require wearing a half-face respirator when working with specific chemicals, along with adherence to all safety protocols, GMPs, and food safety regulations. The organization offers paid sick time for consultants and, upon conversion to permanent employment, fully paid benefits, reflecting a supportive and stable work culture in a privately held wholesale flavor and color manufacturing business.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Commerce, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $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 Commerce,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.