Quality Scientist

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

• Perform sampling and basic physical and organoleptic testing of spices and seasonings in both laboratory and production environments.
• Conduct seasoning and batch card reviews to verify formulation accuracy and documentation completeness.
• Carry out organoleptic sensory testing to assess flavor, aroma, appearance, and overall product quality.
• Ensure accurate label and weight verification of raw materials and finished product packaging on production lines.
• Monitor and conduct checks of metal detection control points during production to confirm proper function and food safety compliance.
• Verify correct information and labeling of staged ingredients used in the production of seasoning formulations.
• Ensure strict adherence to GMPs, GLPs, and food safety standards throughout all quality-related activities.
• Document and report all deviations, non-conformances, and quality issues to operations leads and quality control supervisors in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the laboratory and production work areas to support a safe and compliant environment.
• Collaborate with operations and quality teams to support corrective and preventive actions that enhance product quality and process reliability.
• Perform other duties as requested in support of departmental objectives and overall business needs.

• Demonstrated experience or training in quality inspection and basic laboratory testing within food, chemistry, or related environments.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and food safety principles.
• Understanding of quality control and quality assurance concepts, including inspection, documentation, and deviation reporting.
• Ability to perform organoleptic sensory testing and evaluate product attributes such as taste, smell, and appearance.
• Basic familiarity with chemistry-related measurements, including pH testing and other physical tests relevant to food products.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify inconsistencies in labels, weights, documentation, and product attributes.
• Strong decision-making skills based on training and experience, with the ability to act promptly on quality findings.
• Proactive approach with initiative to follow through on tasks to resolution and support continuous improvement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear reporting and collaboration across teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with production, laboratory, and quality personnel.
• 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 and prioritize workload effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for data entry, reporting, and documentation.
• Comfort working in environments involving loud noise, dust, strong odors, and chemicals of varying hazards.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, ideally in a scientific, food science, or related discipline.
• Previous experience in a laboratory environment preferred, particularly within food or ingredient testing.
• Previous experience in a food manufacturing or production environment preferred.
• Familiarity with food safety programs and regulatory standards applicable to food manufacturing.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple facilities and adapt to different production settings.
• Interest in career growth opportunities within a multi-facility organization.

This role primarily operates in a laboratory setting, performing sampling, testing, and inspection of spices and seasonings using standard laboratory equipment and procedures. The position also requires occasional work in manufacturing areas that may involve moderate standing, walking, reaching, climbing, stacking, and lifting, as well as exposure to loud noises, dusty conditions, and strong odors typical of spice production. The work environment includes handling chemicals of varying hazards in accordance with safety protocols and food safety standards. Team members work within a structured quality and production setting that emphasizes cleanliness, sanitation, and adherence to GMPs and GLPs, with opportunities to support operations across multiple facilities.

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

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $23.00/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 4, 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 [email protected] 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.