Associate Quality Control Analyst

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Argo, IL

Workplace type: Onsite

Schedule: Rotating shifts

As an Associate Quality Control Analyst – Microbiology, you will support the plant’s quality and food safety objectives by performing microbiological testing on raw materials, in-process samples, environmental monitoring samples, and finished products. You will ensure compliance with internal specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer standards by accurately executing microbiological methods and maintaining high standards of laboratory excellence.

This role is ideal for a candidate with a strong foundation in microbiology laboratory practices, food safety principles, and quality systems, who thrives in a regulated manufacturing environment.

What you will you do:

Microbiological Testing & Laboratory Execution

• Perform routine and non-routine microbiological analyses, including but not limited to:
  • Total Plate Count (TPC)
  • Yeast and Mold
  • Coliforms / Enterobacteriaceae
  • Pathogen screening (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli) as applicable
• Execute testing using validated methods and recognized standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, USP, BAM, or internal SOPs).
• Conduct environmental monitoring (EM) sampling and testing to assess plant hygiene and sanitation effectiveness.
• Prepare media, reagents, and controls following established procedures.

Quality Systems & Documentation

• Maintain accurate, complete, and legible laboratory records in accordance with company policies, GMP, ISO, and food safety standards.
• Ensure test results are documented, reviewed, and reported within required timelines to support production and release decisions.
• Follow laboratory quality systems, including deviation reporting, investigations, and corrective actions when results are out of specification (OOS).
• Support internal audits, inspections, and quality reviews related to microbiology and food safety programs.

Compliance, Safety & Collaboration

• Adhere to all laboratory safety guidelines, biosafety practices, and plant safety requirements.
• Maintain compliance with GMP, HACCP, and food safety programs relevant to microbiological control.
• Collaborate closely with Quality, Production, Sanitation, and Food Safety teams to address microbiological risks and trends.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory efficiency, method optimization, and data integrity.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or related sciences
• Possess knowledge of laboratory practices

Who you are:

• Cover shifts as needed.  Must be available for weekends, holidays and after-hours coverage
• Self-starter with a strong work ethic
• High level of integrity and sincerity
• Proactive and innovative with a strong will to succeed
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Why Join Ingredion? 

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

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