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.
- 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.
- 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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Pay Range:
$50,000.00-$60,500.00 Annual
This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.
Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.
Relocation Available:
NoPay Range:
This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).
Incentive Compensation:
As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.
Benefits:
Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or related sciences
- Knowledge of laboratory practices
Ingredion Incorporated Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ingredion Incorporated and has not been reviewed or approved by Ingredion Incorporated.
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Retirement Support — A competitive 401(k) program with company matching and, in some cases, additional contributions is highlighted, with defined vesting terms. This supports long‑term savings and is a consistent pillar of the U.S. package.
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Healthcare Strength — Core medical, dental, and vision coverage is standard, with additional protections like life and disability insurance. Wellbeing resources and an employee assistance program further bolster health support.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Annual or periodic bonuses are common components of compensation across functions. This adds dependable variable pay alongside base salary.
Ingredion Incorporated Insights
What We Do
Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in more than 120 countries. With 2022 annual net sales of nearly $8 billion, we turn grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing and industrial markets. With Ingredion Idea Labs® innovation centers located worldwide and approximately 12,000 employees, we co-create with customers and fulfill our purpose of bringing the potential of people, nature and technology together to make life better. Visit ingredion.com for more information and the latest company news. To learn more about our career opportunities, please visit www.ingredion.com/careers.
