Quality Systems Specialist

Job Title: Quality Systems Specialist Job Description
The Quality Systems Specialist manages quality control (QC) analytical instrumentation and supports laboratory quality systems within a pharmaceutical environment. This role oversees the full lifecycle of QC instruments, ensures compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and data integrity requirements, and contributes to validation, investigations, and continuous improvement activities across the organization.
Responsibilities

• Manage QC instrumentation throughout its lifecycle, including Installation, Operation and Performance Qualification (IOPQ), routine maintenance and repair, calibration and recalibration, and ongoing qualification maintenance.
• Schedule, coordinate, and liaise with external and internal service providers for instrument qualification, maintenance, and repair activities.
• Perform general troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and systems to minimize downtime and maintain data integrity.
• Generate, review, and revise protocols and reports related to instrument qualification, validation, maintenance, and repair.
• Develop, update, and maintain procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to QC analytical instrumentation and associated quality systems.
• Support the technical review of data generated from instrument qualifications, repairs, and maintenance to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support laboratory investigations, including root cause analysis, and contribute to corrective and preventive action (CAPA) implementation for instrumentation and QC processes.
• Conduct troubleshooting activities or execute validation test scripts for laboratory equipment as needed.
• Populate and maintain quality metrics related to QC instrumentation, laboratory performance, and quality systems.
• Support the development and maintenance of procedural and validation lifecycle documents for QC analytical instrumentation.
• Participate in validation activities for laboratory systems and equipment, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and internal quality standards.
• Contribute to commercial and developmental manufacturing activities as required by quality and operational needs.
• Participate as a team member in cross-functional projects involving QC, manufacturing, quality assurance, and other stakeholders.
• Apply critical thinking and sound judgment to resolve quality issues, improve processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with laboratory staff, quality teams, and cross-functional partners to articulate requirements, issues, and solutions related to QC instrumentation and quality systems.

Essential Skills

• Working knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and regulatory requirements for testing and validation in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Understanding and practical application of ALCOA principles for data integrity (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate).
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements surrounding data integrity and their application to laboratory and QC operations.
• Knowledge of Quality Control and Quality Management Systems within a pharmaceutical or related environment.
• Working or previous experience in general Microbiology and/or Chemistry techniques, such as gram staining, microbial identification, aseptic technique, plate streaking techniques, compendial identification tests, and complex chromatographic analyses.
• Working knowledge or hands-on experience with laboratory analytical instrumentation, including Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualification (IOPQ), validation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with controlled document management, including document control, change control, and procedure updates.
• Ability to apply critical thinking and good judgment in evaluating data, resolving issues, and making decisions.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• 3 to 4+ years of relevant experience with a BS degree in a related field, or 2+ years of relevant experience with an MS degree.
• Prior experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Working knowledge of laboratory systems such as HPLC/UPLC, UV spectroscopy, and endotoxin kinetic chromogenic methodology (LAL) is preferred.
• Experience with laboratory computerized systems such as Empower, LIMS, and other equipment or quality management software is a plus.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems, such as IBM Maximo or similar platforms, is advantageous.
• Experience with controlled document management and change management processes is preferred.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and data handling.
• Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high quality standards.
• Motivated with a strong sense of urgency and the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate the needs of the team and influence stakeholders.
• BS or MS degree in a related scientific or technical field (such as Chemistry, Microbiology, or related discipline).

Work Environment
The role operates within a pharmaceutical quality control and laboratory environment that emphasizes compliance with GMP, data integrity, and robust quality systems. You will work closely with QC laboratories, quality assurance, and cross-functional teams, frequently interacting with analytical instrumentation and computerized systems such as HPLC/UPLC, UV, LAL methods, Empower, LIMS, and maintenance management tools. The position involves a mix of hands-on work with laboratory equipment, documentation and protocol development, and participation in validation and cross-functional project activities. The environment is structured, process-driven, and highly regulated, with a strong focus on accuracy, documentation, and continuous improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of La Verne, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in La Verne,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 12, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


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