QA Lead | 1st Shift

QA Lead | 1st Shift at Sterling Engineering

Title
:
Quality Assurance Lead - USDA

Location
:
Franklin Park, IL

Hire Type
:
Permanent

Shift
: 1st shift - 6am-5pm

Compensation
: $21–25 per hour

Benefits
:
Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k)

Must have Skill Set
:
Prior experience working in a meat manufacturing environment

The Quality Control Lead supports food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance activities within a food manufacturing environment. This role works closely with the Quality Control Supervisor to ensure adherence to food safety programs, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.

• Support daily food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance activities
• Assist with corrective and preventive actions related to quality or food safety deviations
• Ensure proper execution of sanitation, GMP, and SSOP programs
• Complete and verify daily, weekly, and monthly quality monitoring records
• Support microbiological testing and foreign material control programs
• Conduct facility audits and inspections
• Assist with verification and validation activities aligned with recognized food safety standards
• Ensure product specifications and quality programs are followed
• Support food safety and quality training initiatives
• Assist with product complaint investigations
• Provide guidance and training support to quality team members
• Serve as backup to the Quality Control Supervisor as needed

• Relevant experience in a regulated food manufacturing environment; meat or protein processing experience preferred
• Working knowledge of food safety and quality systems, including HACCP, SQF, GMP, SSOP, and food microbiology
• HACCP certification preferred but not required
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proven problem‑solving, decision‑making, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.