Quality Assurance Technician

Location: Capitol Heights, MD 

Reports To: Quality Assurance Manager 

Employment Type: Full-Time 

Who We Are

Little Sesame is a fast growing DMV based CPG company built by a team of accomplished chefs who want to reimagine grocery store shelves and bring restaurant quality food into people's homes. We are focused on delivering high-quality, thoughtfully produced products to a broad consumer base. Our team is built on a strong foundation of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. As we scale, we are committed to investing in our people and building systems that support long-term growth and operational excellence 

The Role

We’re looking for a hands-on, detail-oriented Quality Assurance Technician to conduct production-floor inspections, perform laboratory testing, and help the QA Manager build reliable, repeatable quality checks for our ingredients, processes, and hummus. This is a quality-assurance and testing role, not a product formulation or R&D position.

Key Responsibilities

Production-Floor & Facility Inspections  

• Conduct routine pre-operational, in-process, and finished-product inspections, including GMP, hygiene, sanitation, and equipment-condition checks.

• Verify temperatures, process checks, fill weights, packaging and seal condition, lot codes, and visual product characteristics against established requirements.

• Inspect incoming ingredients and packaging; confirm identification, condition, storage practices, and traceability information.

• Collect product, environmental, and allergen-monitoring samples as scheduled; promptly report deviations and help verify corrective actions on the floor.

Laboratory Quality Testing & Method Improvement 

• Prepare and test ingredient, in-process, and finished-product samples using approved procedures and safe laboratory practices.

• Use and care for quality-testing equipment, such as scales, thermometers, pH meters, refractometers, luminometers, and spectrophotometers, as trained.

• Work with the QA Manager to trial and refine practical quality checks, including chickpea cooking consistency, hummus texture and smoothness, and other measurable product attributes.

• Record and compare results, assess repeatability, identify unusual trends, and help establish consistent routine checks as methods are verified and approved.

Basic Records & Team Support 

• Complete inspection forms, laboratory records, and deviation reports accurately and on time; communicate findings clearly to the QA Manager and production team.

• Help with focused investigations, audit readiness, and simple updates to QA checklists or work instructions when assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing quality assurance, quality control, or laboratory testing is preferred; demonstrated hands-on ability and willingness to learn are valued.

• Education in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field is preferred; equivalent practical experience will be considered.

• Familiarity with GMPs, HACCP principles, and food-production hygiene; SQF and organic manufacturing knowledge are a plus.

• Comfortable performing precise measurements, following instructions, learning new instruments, and working independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and willingness to raise quality or food safety concerns promptly and respectfully.

• Able to spend substantial time on the production floor, including work in refrigerated areas; Spanish-language skills are a plus.

Schedule Expectations

The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential to this position. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $65,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience 

• Annual Bonus Eligibility 

• Health Insurance and 401(k) match

• Flexible PTO

• Clear path for growth as Little Sesame grows

How to Apply

Excited by this role? We want to hear from you! Send your resume and cover letter to work@eatlittlesesame.com and we will be in touch shortly.

Little Sesame is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.