Job Title: Quality Control Technician II

• Company: U.S. Spice Mills, Inc. 
• Location: Glendale Heights, IL (100% On-site & Hands-on)
• Reports To: QA Lead
• Position Type: Full-Time
• Pay Rate Range: $24.00 - 29.00
• Shift: Predictable First Shift (6:30 AM - 3:00 PM), Monday to Friday. Enjoy your evenings! Occasional Saturday overtime as needed.

About U.S. Spice Mills

We’ve been flavoring America since 1986. As a major supplier of pure, high-quality spices to the food industry, we combine the stability of an established company with the welcoming, collaborative vibe of a family-centric environment. We care about our products, but we care about our people more.

Job Summary

As our QC Technician II, you aren't just checking boxes—you are the frontline defender of food quality and safety. You’ll use your sharp eye for detail in our lab and on the production floor, making sure every product that leaves our facility is safe, compliant, and top-tier. If you love science, systems, and seeing the direct impact of your work, you’ll thrive here.

Key Responsibilities

Lab Work & Product Testing

• Conduct hands-on quality tests on the production line including Sieve Analysis, ATP swabs, allergen testing, and monthly chemical titrations.
• Run "organoleptic" inspections—yes, that means using your senses (sight, smell, taste) to ensure our spices are up to par.
• Own environmental and equipment safety checks (metal detectors, magnets, and pre-op inspections).

Data & System Management

• Keep our quality documentation meticulously organized so we are always audit-ready.
• Manage product status and logs directly within our ERP software.
• Log data into Google Sheets or Excel documents.

Lab & Sample Ownership

• Keep the lab organized, vibe-checked, and fully stocked with supplies.
• Fulfill customer sample requests and collaborate with 3rd-party labs to test exciting new R&D trial samples.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Log customer feedback and help figure out the "why" behind issues by owning the customer Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Assist with investigations on issues pertaining to customer complaints and CAPA.
• Conduct root cause analysis to reveal any process deviations.
• Log all customer complaints.
• Communicate any production/quality issues to the Line and QA Lead.
• Bring your FSQA knowledge to the table to help us constantly improve our processes.

Qualifications and Skills

• Work Authorization: You must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now or in the future.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. You have prior FSQA experience (Food Safety & Quality Assurance). We are seeking candidates with two or more years of experience in QA/QC. Experience specifically in the food/beverage manufacturing industry is a huge plus!
• Core Competencies: You are meticulous. You notice the small details that others miss, and you take pride in flawless organization. You are a strong communicator who knows how to collaborate with a team to solve problems quickly and effectively. Being bilingual in Spanish is a preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Safety First: Commitment to consistently wearing all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and strictly following food safety guidelines.
• Sensory Environment: This position is based on-site in our spice processing facility. You should be completely comfortable working around strong, rich spice aromas, dust, and active moving equipment.
• Physical Stamina: This role requires some standing, walking, and bending for extended periods, as well as the ability to regularly lift up to 51 pounds.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
• Healthcare Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing food manufacturing company.

U.S. Spice Mills is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, promote a safe and inclusive working environment, and welcome self-starters from all backgrounds to apply. 

In accordance with Illinois state regulations, the compensation range provided reflects our good faith hourly rate for this role. Final starting pay is determined by various factors, such as specific shift assignments, relevant transferable skills, and prior operational experience.