Quality Control Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Quality Control Technician 

Pay Range: $21-$26 per hour

Location: Sterling, VA

Work Model: In-person

Employment Type: Full-time

Akina Pharmacy is a nationally-accredited specialty compounding pharmacy on a mission to enrich lives through compounded medicine. Since 2012, we've partnered with prescribers and patients across the United States to deliver expertly compounded sterile and non-sterile medications when off-the-shelf solutions fall short. We call it the Chemistry of Care™: precision and compassion working together.

Our fast-growing team is guided by an ambitious vision, core values, and a high-performance environment built on clear communication, pragmatic decision-making, and accountability. We hold ourselves to the highest standards. In the pharmacy, that means PCAB accreditation and LegitScript certification. With our people, it means empowering them through continuous growth and support. If you're driven by a passion for meaningful impact and want to be part of a vibrant, people-first team where your contribution genuinely matters, we'd love to meet you.

Our Core Values

1. Excellence Always: We hold ourselves to a high standard and continually push it higher. We bring that standard to everything we do—big or small, seen or unseen—and carry it across the finish line. Our relentless determination to be the best is reflected in the way we work, the details we refuse to overlook, and the results we deliver. This is how we earn the trust of our patients, providers, and each other.

1. Called To Serve: We act for the greater good, putting what is best for the company, our team, and our customers ahead of personal comfort or gain. We go the extra mile for others. Serving this way connects us to a purpose greater than ourselves: Enriching Lives. It gives deeper meaning to our work, and it’s why Akina exists.

1. Total Ownership: We take full responsibility for our work, decisions, and results. We don't wait for permission or instructions; we initiate and drive outcomes. When faced with setbacks or challenges, we stay focused on what is within our control and respond with solutions and action. That level of ownership means people can count on us through thick or thin, and gives us the power to take meaningful action as a unified team toward achieving our shared mission.

1. Open and Honest: We listen and seek to understand feedback, new ideas, and perspectives that challenge our own. We speak the truth directly and clearly, hiding nothing and removing all politics from our communication. By choosing vulnerability and transparency over comfort, we make each other better and build the deep trust required to engage in healthy conflict, stay aligned, and solve hard problems.

The Quality Control Technician plays a critical role at Akina Pharmacy, ensuring that compounded sterile medications are meticulously inspected to ensure the highest quality standards. This position requires great attention to detail, a strong sense of accountability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.

As a Quality Control Technician, you will manage one of the final stages of the sterile compounding process by visually inspecting each finished sterile compound product to ensure that each released product stays within the quality and compliance standards. In addition to visual inspections, you will assist with environmental monitoring of the labs, and any other tasks assigned by the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager. If you are highly organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy contributing to a team dedicated to improving patient care, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Finished Product Inspection and Testing: Perform visual inspections of finished products to identify defects, particulate matter, or other deviations from specifications. 
• In-Process Quality Checks: Monitor and verify in-process production activities to ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Collect and analyze data during compounding, filling, or packaging to identify trends or deviations.
• Environmental Monitoring: Perform viable and nonviable particle sampling and readings in classified environments to ensure compliance with USP <795>/<797>/<800> or other relevant guidelines. Document and report environmental trends to proactively address risks to product sterility.
• Personnel Monitoring and Sampling: Conduct gloved fingertip sampling to evaluate aseptic technique and ensure operator compliance with sterility requirements. Report findings and assist in identifying corrective actions or retraining needs for personnel.
• Documentation and Reporting: Accurately document all inspection and testing results in compliance with USP, FDA and regulatory guidance. Collaborate with QA to ensure timely reporting of non-conformances, CAPA investigations, and release decisions.

Key Metrics:

• Conduct manual visual inspection process and qualify units as per visual inspection process on compounded sterile medications (CSPs)  (Up to 2000 vials per day)
• Perform acceptable quality limit inspections on compounded medications (Up to 10 batches per day)
• Analyze viable air and surface samples (both solid and liquid media) for growth, turbidity and particulate matter (up to 10 batches per day)

How Akina Commits to Supporting You:

• Giving clear directions and expectations
• Ensures you have access to the necessary tools
• Delegates appropriately
• Holds effective meetings
• Meets one-on-one with you quarterly or more, if needed
• Rewards and recognizes your performance

About You

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: High school diploma or GED with work experience. Commitment to maintaining continuing education and staying updated on industry regulations and best practices.
• Expertise: 1-2 years of experience in a quality or manufacturing department with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and compliance (preferred, not required).
• Performance and Time Management: Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain productivity benchmarks in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with pharmacists, patients, and other team members. Collaborative mindset to ensure alignment with pharmacy operations and patient care goals.
• Technology Skills: Proficiency in pharmacy management systems and software for prescription entry, inventory tracking, and workflow management. Ability to learn and troubleshoot dispensing equipment and technology as needed.
• Preferred Experience in Compounding or Specialized Pharmacies: Familiarity with 503A or 503B compounding pharmacies, including knowledge of aseptic techniques, hazardous drug handling, or specialty medication quality control/assurance (preferred, not required).

• Medical and Supplementary Benefits: Akina Pharmacy offers two medical plan options with employer premium contributions up to 85%, dental and vision coverage, accident and hospital indemnity, and company paid long term and short-term disability options, available after 30 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off: Take advantage of generous paid time off to recharge, focus on personal priorities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy six scheduled paid holidays to celebrate and spend quality time with loved ones.
• 401K Match: Invest in your future with our 401K plan, featuring a Safe Harbor match up to 4%.
• Rewards & Recognition: Be celebrated for your hard work and achievements through our dedicated rewards and recognition program.
• No Cost Medication: Employees are eligible to receive prescribed compounded medications at no cost, after 30 days of employment. 

Akina Pharmacy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.